China’s latest aircraft carrier enters service to extend reach into high seas

China’s new aircraft carrier, the Fujian, adds an electromagnetic launch system to what is already the world’s largest navy in terms of number of ships. Photograph: Li Tang/AP

China’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier officially entered service this week, signalling a new era in Chinese military expansion after a ceremony overseen by the country’s leader, Xi Jinping, state media has confirmed.

The Fujian is China’s first domestically designed and built aircraft carrier, and the third for China’s rapidly expanding navy, which is already the world’s biggest by ship count.