China’s Third Aircraft Carrier Begins Sea Trials Amid Tensions

China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, began its maiden sea trials on May 1, marking a significant development in Beijing’s naval capabilities. The state-of-the-art warship left Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard for the trials, aimed at testing the reliability and stability of its propulsion and electrical systems. Since its launch in June 2022, the Fujian has completed mooring trials, outfitting work, and equipment adjustments, meeting the technical requirements for sea trials. China plans to have five to six aircraft carriers by 2035 for strategic deployment in the disputed South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and the Indian Ocean.

Fujian, named after the province bordering the Taiwan Strait, is China’s first domestically developed and constructed aircraft carrier, boasting an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) similar to that of the American USS Gerald R. Ford. With a displacement of over 80,000 tonnes, the Fujian is more substantial than China’s other two carriers and features a flat-top flight deck, setting it apart from its predecessors equipped with ski-jump take-off ramps.