China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, equipped with an advanced electromagnetic catapult system, has reportedly completed its second sea trial, drawing significant media attention and highlighting its strategic advancements. The expansive 20-day test reflects the substantial progress of the 80,000-ton warship, a critical asset to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

On Tuesday, the Fujian returned to Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, following its second sea trial. According to a report by Hong Kong’s Singtao Daily, this trial, spanning from May 23 to June 11, involved rigorous and comprehensive testing. Although there was no official announcement, maritime safety administration notices indicated the presence of a “large ship” during this period, consistent with similar notices for the Fujian’s first sea trial conducted earlier in May.

The rapid transition from the first to the second sea trial, taking only half a month, suggests that the initial tests were highly successful, requiring minimal adjustments. This efficiency underscores the technical sophistication of the Fujian, enabling swift progression through its testing phases.

Unlike its first trial in the East China Sea near Shanghai, the second sea trial of the Fujian occurred in the Yellow Sea. Commercial satellite imagery confirmed the carrier’s activities in this region, with tests focusing on the propulsion systems, including sharp turning and sailing in reverse. The selection of the Yellow Sea for this phase of testing is strategic, as it is near a carrier-based aircraft training base and relatively isolated from US reconnaissance efforts.

Preparing for Aircraft Operations

Historically, China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, conducted its first aircraft landing test in the Yellow Sea. This precedent suggests that the Fujian is also gearing up for its aircraft takeoff and landing tests in future trials. This progression is crucial for the carrier’s operational capabilities, ensuring it can effectively launch and recover aircraft.

According to Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military expert, it is standard for a new aircraft carrier to undertake multiple test voyages across various sea regions. The prolonged and intensive second sea trial indicates a fast-paced testing regimen, aiming to achieve swift readiness. The smooth execution of both mooring and voyage tests reflects the carrier’s advanced design and engineering.

Fu emphasized that these successful trials lay a robust foundation for subsequent tests and the Fujian’s eventual commissioning into the PLA Navy. The forthcoming trials are anticipated to include evaluations of electromagnetic compatibility, weapon systems, electromagnetic catapults, and aircraft operations.

The Fujian represents a significant leap in China’s naval capabilities. Its electromagnetic catapult system, a first for Chinese carriers, allows for more efficient and powerful aircraft launches compared to the older ski-jump systems. This technological advancement positions the Fujian alongside the most advanced aircraft carriers globally, such as the US Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers.

The progress of the Fujian has not gone unnoticed by regional neighbors and global powers. The carrier’s development is closely monitored by nations with vested interests in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly the United States, Japan, and India. The PLA Navy’s expanding capabilities signify a shift in the regional maritime balance, prompting responses from other military powers.

US Perspective

From the US perspective, the advancement of the Fujian adds to the growing capabilities of the PLA Navy, necessitating adjustments in strategic and operational planning. The US Navy continues to conduct Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, underscoring its commitment to maintaining open sea lanes and challenging China’s maritime claims.

For regional neighbors like Japan and India, the Fujian’s capabilities represent a significant factor in their security calculations. Japan has been enhancing its own naval capabilities, including converting its helicopter carriers to operate fixed-wing aircraft. India, too, is focused on modernizing its navy, with plans for new carriers and advanced warships.

The media coverage of the Fujian’s second sea trial has been extensive, reflecting the high public and governmental interest in China’s naval advancements. The successful trials are portrayed as milestones in China’s quest to develop a world-class navy capable of projecting power far beyond its shores.

Chinese state media has highlighted the achievements of the Fujian’s trials, emphasizing the technological advancements and strategic importance of the carrier. The narrative focuses on national pride and the PLA Navy’s growing prowess, aligning with broader themes of China’s rise as a global power.

International media coverage has been more nuanced, often contextualizing the Fujian’s progress within the broader strategic competition between China and the United States. Reports emphasize the implications for regional security and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

Future Prospects: A Transformative Asset

As the Fujian continues its testing and approaches operational status, its impact on China’s naval strategy will become increasingly apparent. The carrier’s capabilities will enable more extensive power projection, enhancing China’s ability to influence maritime affairs globally.

The Fujian’s advanced features, including its electromagnetic catapult system, will significantly enhance China’s power projection capabilities. This allows the PLA Navy to conduct sustained operations far from its shores, supporting China’s interests in distant regions such as the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Once fully operational, the Fujian will integrate into a fleet that includes the Liaoning and the Shandong, China’s first and second aircraft carriers. This trio of carriers will provide the PLA Navy with a formidable carrier strike capability, enabling more complex and extended naval operations.

Strategic and Diplomatic Implications

The enhanced capabilities of the Fujian will also have strategic and diplomatic implications. China’s ability to deploy a powerful carrier group will bolster its influence in international maritime affairs, from humanitarian missions to securing sea lines of communication.

The Fujian’s second sea trial marks a significant milestone in China’s naval development. As the carrier continues to undergo testing and prepares for eventual commissioning, its progress underscores China’s commitment to expanding its naval capabilities and enhancing its strategic reach.

The Fujian represents not only a technological achievement but also a symbol of China’s growing maritime ambitions. Its successful integration into the PLA Navy will undoubtedly alter the strategic landscape, prompting responses from regional and global powers alike. As China’s third aircraft carrier moves closer to operational status, the world will be watching closely, recognizing its potential to reshape the balance of power on the high seas.