China's third conventionally powered aircraft carrier, the Fujian, conducts a maiden sea trial on May 7, 2024. Ding Ziyu/AP

China’s latest and most capable aircraft carrier has officially entered service, a significant step forward for Beijing as it seeks to catch up with the United States on naval supremacy.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping presided over the ceremony and inspected the ship during a commissioning ceremony at a military port in Sanya on Hainan island earlier this week, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported on Friday.

The Fujian is China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, featuring an electromagnetic catapult that can launch three aircraft types, according to Chinese state media.

The new tech, known as EMALS, allows planes to take off with heavier weapon and fu

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