Launch of China’s Newest Aircraft Carrier, The Fujian
The nation of China, or, more accurately, the Chinese civilisation, which has existed for over 5000 years, is again embarking on building a fleet capable of projecting power around the Indo-Pacific region and the rest of the world.
The last time China truly invested in developing its sea power was during the early 15th century.
Its navy was eventually abandoned by the Ming dynasty, which ruled China from 1368 until it was conquered in the 17th century in 1644.
China is a continental nation, and historically, threats to China typically came from the steppe nomads.
Historically, China has never had the incentives or maritime culture to develop power at sea.
In the 21st century, China, having experienced an economic miracle in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, is becoming a great power with the potential to rival the United States of America.
Still, it takes a long time to build an effective Navy.
The newest Chinese aircraft carrier, the Fujian, officially entered service in May 2024.
This is a major development for the Chinese Navy, but it still falls short of its advanced counterparts, especially in the case of the United States carrier fleet.
