Chinese state media has released the latest images of the nation’s recently constructed aircraft carrier, featuring cutting-edge launch tracks for next-generation aircraft.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) officially introduced the Fujian, a Type 003 carrier, in June 2022, although it is yet to be commissioned.
Testing of its advanced electromagnetic catapults for launching jet fighters began in November of the previous year.
President Xi Jinping has consistently emphasised the need to enhance the combat readiness and technological capabilities of the Chinese military, with a goal of completion before the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in 2027.
There are concerns among some senior US military officers who believe that China might be gearing up for a military takeover of Taiwan by the same year.
READ MORE: The country threatening to topple China as global superpower as investors flee
With a capacity of 80,000 tonnes, the domestically designed and constructed warship boasts a length of approximately 316m and can accommodate 70 aircraft, including J-15 fighters and Z-9C anti-submarine helicopters.
Although it has not yet undergone sea trials, the aircraft carrier surpasses the size and technological sophistication of the Shandong, commissioned in 2019, and the Liaoning, which China purchased from Ukraine in 1998.
The news comes as a potential takeover of Taiwan by China looms as the country continues to encroach on the island’s territory just before its 8th direct presidential elections will be held on January 13.
On Tuesday, Chinese observation balloons crossed Taiwan’s main island for the first time.
Chinese fighter jets have also on occasion crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, which previously served as an unofficial barrier. Beijing has long claimed it does not recognise the median line as a barrier.
Recent comments made by Chinese leader Xi Jinping have sparked further speculation that a takeover is being planned.
“The realization of the complete reunification with the motherland is an inevitable course of development, is righteous and what the people want. The motherland must and will be reunified,” Xi said in an address marking the 130th anniversary of People’s Republic of China founder Mao Zedong’s birth.
