UPDATE: China has officially commissioned its most advanced aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian, positioning it as a direct competitor to the USS Gerald R. Ford. This announcement comes amid China’s rapid naval modernization strategy under President Xi Jinping, who aims to establish a “world-class” military by 2049.
The Fujian, with a displacement of over 80,000 tons, is the largest warship built by China to date, yet it remains smaller than the Gerald R. Ford, which has a full-load displacement of 112,000 tons. This significant development is critical as the Chinese military operates the world’s largest navy by ship count, with over 370 vessels, including three aircraft carriers, according to a Pentagon report.
The Fujian features cutting-edge electromagnetic catapults, similar to those on the Gerald R. Ford, which allows both carriers to launch heavier aircraft and enhance their combat capabilities. Each carrier is equipped with advanced stealth aircraft; the Fujian can launch J-35 jets, while the Gerald R. Ford is designed for F-35C aircraft. However, while the Gerald R. Ford is nuclear-powered and can operate for 20 to 25 years without refueling, the Fujian relies on steam turbines and diesel generators for propulsion.
The implications of this development are significant. The USS Gerald R. Ford, based at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, is frequently deployed in the Atlantic and Pacific regions, asserting U.S. military presence and alliances. Meanwhile, the Fujian is stationed at Yulin Naval Base in Hainan province, strategically located near the contested South China Sea, indicating a focused operational area that could heighten tensions in the region.
Official reports indicate that the Fujian will be the second aircraft carrier homeported at Yulin Naval Base, following the CNS Shandong. This situation means the two powerful carriers are unlikely to operate in the western Pacific simultaneously, a critical factor in the ongoing naval dynamics.
As the world watches, the next step for the Fujian remains uncertain. Its maiden deployment date has not been announced, raising questions about its operational readiness compared to the Gerald R. Ford, which was first deployed in 2022, five years after its commissioning.
In a statement reflecting the pride surrounding the Fujian, the Xinhua News Agency noted its advanced electromagnetic catapult technology, asserting China’s independence in military shipbuilding. This stems from a broader goal to enhance China’s military capabilities and assert its influence on the global stage.
With the potential for increased military presence in the South China Sea, observers are concerned about the implications for regional stability and security. The U.S. has responded by deploying the USS George Washington in the region, reinforcing its commitment to allies amid this growing naval competition.
As developments unfold, the implications of China’s newest carrier on global military balance are immense. The international community is urged to stay alert to further announcements regarding the CNS Fujian and its operational capacity as tensions rise in the Pacific.
