Editorial | New Fujian carrier shows China’s tech prowess, commitment to peace

The Fujian entered service on November 5 with a commissioning ceremony in Sanya, Hainan province, presided over by President Xi Jinping. Its debut makes China only the second country to operate a carrier with electromagnetic catapults. The technology provides aircraft with additional thrust, allowing more frequent launches and at higher speeds from a shorter distance. Planes taking off from Fujian can carry higher payloads, including more fuel and munitions. The only other carrier with the aircraft launch system is the US Navy’s nuclear-powered USS Gerald R. Ford. Fujian enters service as the world’s largest conventionally powered warship. It was also…