After extensive trials, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has officially inducted Fujian , China’s third aircraft carrier, and its most advanced one yet. China President Xi Jinping boarded Fujian for an inspection tour in the city of Sanya in southern Hainan province on Wednesday, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday.

For the world’s largest navy, Fujian is a significant force multiplier, one that will allow the PLAN to project power far beyond Chinese shores. Here are 3 things you need to know.

01

Uses electromagnetic catapults

Taking off from the limited space of an aircraft carrier is no mean feat. With the exception of aircraft capable of vertical takeoff (like the Harrier jump jet or the more modern F-35B), most need some assistance to take to the skies.

The t

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