Xi Jinping commissions new aircraft carrier
China’s got a new aircraft carrier.
On November 5, Xi Jinping attended the commissioning ceremony for China’s newest aircraft carrier – the Fujian – in Hainan province.
The Fujian is China’s third – and most advanced – carrier to date.
- It’s only the second carrier in the world (the other belonging to the US) equipped with an electromagnetic catapult launch system – tech that enables faster, more frequent launches.
- It’s also the only aircraft carrier in the world capable of operating fifth-generation stealth fighter jets.
Xinhua state media heaped praise on Xi’s leadership:
- “Xi Jinping personally made the decision for the Fujian to adopt electromagnetic catapult launch technology.”
But not all was smooth sailing: Several of the Navy’s top brass were absent from the ceremony – suggesting they are under investigation or facing disciplinary action. The missing included:
- Admiral Hu Zhongming, Commander of the Navy
- Admiral Wu Yanan, Commander of the Southern Theatre Command
- Admiral Wang Wenquan, Political Commissar of the Southern Theatre Command
Get smart: The commissioning of a third carrier marks a major boost to the PLA Navy’s operational readiness, ensuring a constant at-sea presence – with one carrier in maintenance, one on standby, and one on active deployment.
Get smarter: China’s fleet still trails America’s 10 nuclear-powered carriers, but the gap is narrowing fast – a fourth Chinese carrier is already under construction.
Get real smart: Xi’s greater challenge lies not in hardware, but in personnel – building a truly battle-ready military requires rooting out corruption and tightening command discipline at the top.