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China’s military
ChinaMilitary

China’s advanced Fujian aircraft carrier ready to start sea trials this year, a boost for military capacity

  • The country’s newest carrier is viewed as central to Xi Jinping’s goal of returning the country to the forefront of global powers by 2049
  • The vessel is expected to have a major presence in the Taiwan Strait

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China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is China’s biggest and most complex warship yet and marks a milestone in Xi’s project to modernise the PLA. Photo: Weibo
Cyril Ip
China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, Fujian, is expected to start sea trials this year, according to the ship’s vice-captain, a development that will further advance the country’s military capabilities.
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“In the new year, we must take hold of all the work centred on the sea trials and contribute to realising the army’s [Two Centenaries] goals,” said Qian Shumin in a video address shared on Tuesday.

The second of President Xi Jinping’s Two Centenaries goals is to return the nation to the forefront of global powers by 2049 when the People’s Republic of China celebrates its 100th anniversary.

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What is known about the Fujian, China’s first home-designed aircraft carrier

What is known about the Fujian, China’s first home-designed aircraft carrier
The Fujian is China’s biggest and most complex warship yet and marks a milestone in Xi’s project to modernise the military and narrow the gap with the United States. It resembles the newest US carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is the only other warship equipped with advanced electromagnetic catapults.

After launching in June, the ship is now being fitted out at the Jiangnan Shipyard near Shanghai, while simultaneous mooring trials were begun in September to reduce the time until delivery.

The fit-out process – when construction is completed and the ship is prepared for delivery – follows the vessel’s launch and comes before sea trials. Mooring trials test the systems on a vessel – how they work individually as well as together – from power propulsion to mechanical equipment.

“President Xi [Jinping] specifically mentioned the launch of the Fujian in his New Year’s message. As a member of the Fujian ship, we are deeply proud and honoured,” Qian said, referring to the vessel appearing on Xi’s shortlist of China’s achievements over the past year.

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