China's third aircraft carrier enters into service, marking new chapter in navy development

China's Fujian aircraft carrier, the country's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, entered into service on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in the development of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the commissioning and flag-presenting ceremony of the Fujian, at a naval port in Sanya City, south China's Hainan Province.

The aircraft carrier, named after Fujian Province on China's east coast, is the country's third and most advanced model so far, featuring electromagnetic catapults that can launch three aircraft types.

With the hull number 18, the Fujian features a full-length flight deck and has a full load displacement of more than 80,000 tons.

It was launched on June 17, 2022 and completed its maiden sea trials in early May last year.

During its eight-day sea trials, the Fujian tested its propulsion and electrical systems and other equipment, and achieved the expected results.

On Sept 22, 2025, carrier-based aircraft J-15T, J-35 and KongJing-600 successfully completed their inaugural electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing trainings on the Fujian.

The success showed that China's first domestically built catapult-equipped aircraft carrier is capable of carrying out electromagnetic catapult launch and recovery, marking another breakthrough in the development of China's aircraft carriers.

The trainings verified the sound compatibility of China's fully domestically developed electromagnetic catapult and arresting systems with multiple aircraft types.

This demonstrated that the Fujian has obtained initial full-deck operational capability, paving the way for multiple types of carrier-based aircraft to join the carrier formation.

China's third aircraft carrier enters into service, marking new chapter in navy development

China's third aircraft carrier enters into service, marking new chapter in navy development

China's third aircraft carrier enters into service, marking new chapter in navy development

China's third aircraft carrier enters into service, marking new chapter in navy development

Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.

As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.

Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.

A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.

Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.

"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.

The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.

At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.

Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal