China's Fujian carrier represents technological leap with new electromagnetic launch system

China

China's Fujian carrier represents technological leap with new electromagnetic launch system

2026-02-21 17:28 Last Updated At：18:07

China's Fujian aircraft carrier marks a significant technological leap in the country's aircraft carrier program, becoming the world's first conventionally powered vessel equipped with electromagnetic catapults, according to experts.

Independently designed and built by China, the Fujian was commissioned into active service in November last year. Bearing the hull number 18, the Fujian now joins China's other two carriers in active operation, the Liaoning and the Shandong.

In recent years, the Chinese Navy's carrier-based aviation has accelerated its development, leaping forward from single aircraft to integrated systems, from shore-based to shipborne operations, from ski-jump to catapult launches, and from being able to fly to capable of combat.

Military affairs expert Zhang Junshe explained the technological breakthrough that sets the Fujian apart.

"Leaping from steam catapults, the Fujian aircraft carrier directly adopts electromagnetic catapults. The core of this leapfrog development lies in the innovative application of medium-voltage direct current integrated power system and energy storage technology. First, the medium-voltage direct current system used on the Fujian has a generational advantage. The medium-voltage direct current integrated power system that the Fujian is equipped with has a very high energy conversion efficiency. This system directly drives the launch track, eliminating the step of mechanical energy conversion, simplifying the structure, and significantly reducing the failure rate," Zhang said.

"Second, the supercapacitors solve the challenge of pulse power supply. Conventionally powered carriers were previously doubted for their ability to meet the instantaneous high-energy demands of electromagnetic catapults. The Fujian aircraft carrier innovatively employs supercapacitor energy storage technology, featuring short charging times. It can independently handle the pulse load, avoiding any impact on the main power system," he added.

Duty-free shopping popular among int'l tourists during Spring Festival holiday

Duty-free shopping is gaining popularity among international tourists to China after Chinese authorities rolled out new policies to expand duty-free shops across the country.

Many tourists are impressed by the convenient tax-refund services provided by duty-free shops at airports, seaports and land border crossings.

As one of the 41 newly added port entry duty-free shops in China, the store in Suifenhe City of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has witnessed a fervent shopping boom during the ongoing Spring Festival.

Some tourists from bordering Russia have even formed shopping groups to pool orders and enjoy discounts for products such as perfumes, cosmetics, and sunglasses.

"I see a variety of goods here and the prices are much lower than in our country. It feels like a fun shopping adventure," said a Russian tourist.

China's new policies have also included cultural and creative products, sports equipment, and pet food within the scope of tax-free goods, offering a richer array of categories and choices for international tourists.

"I came today to buy skincare products. The prices are very cheap here," said a Russian tourist in southern China's Hainan Province.

In Shanghai, a hotel in Huangpu District has introduced a "stay-and-refund" service model for departure tax refunds, allowing tourists to process tax refund procedures right after returning to the hotel with their purchases.

"Getting the tax refund at the hotel is very convenient, so I don't have to go to the airport for the procedure," said a tourist from the Republic of Korea (ROK).