BREAKING: China has officially commissioned its latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, during a ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping on November 7, 2025, at a naval base on Hainan Island. This development marks a significant leap in China’s naval capabilities, as the Fujian is the first aircraft carrier designed and built entirely within the country.
The commissioning of the Fujian comes after extensive sea trials, positioning China to further extend its influence beyond its coastal waters. Experts assert that this new carrier enables the world’s largest navy to close the gap with the United States Navy, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving military landscape.
Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, states, “Carriers are key to Chinese leadership’s vision of China as a great power with a blue-water navy.” This strategic move aims to assert China’s dominance over critical regions, including the South China Sea and the East China Sea, while contesting control of the Second Island Chain, which includes vital U.S. military installations in Guam.
In a direct response to the commissioning, Minoru Kihara, Japan’s former defense minister, expressed concerns about China’s rapid military expansion, emphasizing the need for vigilance. He noted, “We believe that China’s military intends to advance its operational capability at distant sea and air by strengthening sea power.” Japan is closely monitoring these developments and is prepared to respond decisively if necessary.
China’s military strategy, as outlined by military affairs expert Song Zhongping, involves transforming its navy into a “blue-water strategic navy” capable of operating globally. “China is a great power and our overseas interests span the globe; we need to be globally present,” Song asserted, highlighting the significance of this new carrier in extending China’s operational reach.
The Fujian’s advanced capabilities, including an electromagnetic launch system akin to those found on the latest U.S. Navy carriers, enable it to deploy a wider range of aircraft efficiently. This represents a major technological advancement compared to its predecessors, the Liaoning and the Shandong, which utilized older ski-jump systems.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the Pentagon has reiterated its stance, declaring China as the only competitor capable of reshaping the international order. The U.S. military’s latest report underscores the urgency of monitoring China’s increasingly capable military, which is poised to project power globally.
This development not only marks a significant milestone in China’s military modernization efforts but also raises tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, especially concerning Taiwan. The potential for increased military presence around the island heightens fears of a possible blockade or invasion.
The commissioning of the Fujian aircraft carrier is a clear signal that China is prepared to enhance its military capabilities and assert its influence further into the Pacific. As the situation develops, international observers will be watching closely to gauge the implications for regional security and stability.
Stay tuned for updates on this rapidly evolving story as China takes its next steps in its maritime ambitions.
