China’s New Aircraft Carrier Conducts First Sea Trials: State Media

China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, sets out for maiden sea trials from Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard in east China's Shanghai, May 1, 2024. Image via Xinhua

China’s Fujian aircraft carrier took to the water for its maiden sea trials on Wednesday, state media said. This is a key next step in Beijing’s vast naval build-up as it carves out a more assertive role for itself in the Pacific and beyond.

The Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier after the Liaoning and the Shandong vessels and is the Chinese Navy’s largest-ever ship.

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