China unveils its biggest ever warship Fujian as 100,000-ton supercarrier is a ‘direct challenge’ to US
CHINA has been flexing its technological prowess once again, with the latest unveiling of its most advanced aircraft carrier yet.
This is the Fujian, an advanced supercarrier that includes next generation launch tracks with the ability to catapult an impressive range of top-end aircraft from its deck.
Footage aired on China's state television revealed the carrier's electromagnetic catapult tracks, allowing for assisted take-off and arrested recovery.
By adding this next-generation advancement in carrier technology, China now has the ability to launch a wider variety of aircraft.
The Fujian can now launch PL-10 and PL-15 missiles, FC-31 stealth multi-role fighter aircraft, J-15 carrier based multi-role fighter aircraft and KJ-600 airborne early warning systems.
As the new system replaces the ski ramps and traditional steam catapults found on its previous carriers, like the Shandong or the Liaoning, its also far more reliable and energy-efficient.
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This milestone in the modernisation of the Chinese military, has meant that the Chinese Navy can participate in longer-range operations, and has come to rival the United States.
Although the US have introduced electromagnetic launch systems to their Ford-Class aircraft carriers, a new class of nuclear-powered carriers, it is suspected that China will quickly overtake them.
The vast majority of American ships still use steam-powered catapults, while analysts have determined that the unveiling of the Fujian is a sign that China intends to keep using this new technology.
The ship is China's third carrier and is part of an attempt to modernise and expand the country's military under a new five-year plan.
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Work began on Xi Jinping's latest battleship in 2018, which military analyst Robert Farley claimed will be the "largest and most advanced aircraft carrier built outside the United States".
Work on a fourth carrier, which is expected to be nuclear-powered and resemble the new-generation Ford-class ships, is already underway, the United States Department of Defense said.
Alongside the footage of China's latest warship was a state official, who reiterated China's ambitions for maritime dominance.
He said: "In the new year, we will seize every minute, work with determination, and strive for combat readiness as soon as possible."
Over the last few years President Xi Jinping has repeatedly called for his military to be combat-ready, and to start preparing for war.
His comments first came in 2020, when Beijing sliced out references to "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan from its annual government report - with the description having been present since 2013.
Speaking about upping combat readiness for his forces, Mr Xi ordered them to prepare for the "worst case scenarios", reports state-run news agency Xinhua.
He said: "It is necessary to explore ways of training and preparing for war because epidemic control efforts have been normalised.
"It is necessary to step up preparations for armed combat, to flexibly carry out actual combat military training, and to improve our military’s ability to perform military missions."
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Some senior U.S. military officers have previously suggested that China would launch a military takeover of Taiwan by 2027 - the 100th anniversary of the PLA's establishment.
Although, other experts have suggested that it is unlikely that China will stop there - especially given the ramping up of their naval forces.
