ISLAMABAD: China's third aircraft carrier has entered service following a ceremony marking its handover to the navy attended by President Xi Jinping, AFP reported on Friday.

The commissioning of the Fujian marks a key milestone in Xi's drive to modernize the Chinese military.

According to a Chinese Navy's post on X, the Fujian was launched in June 2022 and named after Fujian Province.

The official event took place on Wednesday at a naval port in China's southern island province of Hainan.

Electromagnetic catapult system

"After the ceremony, Xi Jinping boarded the Fujian ... and learned about the development of the aircraft carrier system combat capabilities and the construction and application of the electromagnetic catapult system," state-run Xinhua said.

In September, the Chinese Navy shared on X that "three types of carrier-based aircraft, including J-15T, J-35 and KJ-600, completed catapult launch and landing training on board the PLANS Fujian for the first time this year, demonstrating the Fujian’s capability of electromagnetic catapult and recovery operations."

Footage of the proceedings released by state broadcaster CCTV showed Xi and other top officials from the country's ruling Communist Party in attendance at the port, AFP reported.

Engaged in a naval rivalry with Washington in the fraught maritime region, China lags behind the United States in overall military prowess, analysts say.

But Beijing has directed billions of dollars into its military in recent years, a trend that has unnerved some governments in East Asia despite China insisting its aims are peaceful.

‘More advanced take-off systems’

The navy, in particular, has seen a massive expansion as leaders seek to expand the country's reach in the Pacific and challenge a US-led alliance.

According to a French media report, equipped with 11 aircraft carriers, the US Navy remains the world's leading fleet in terms of tonnage.

After conducting sea trials in recent months, the Fujian now joins China's two other carriers in active operation -- the Liaoning and the Shandong, AFP reported.

Analysts have said that the latest carrier boasts more advanced take-off systems, allowing the Chinese air force to deploy jets carrying larger payloads and more fuel.

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China's third aircraft carrier enters service