A Chinese state media outlet indicated that the commissioning of the new aircraft carrier "Fujian" is imminent. It specifically referenced the history of Japanese warships invading its territory during the China-Japan War 88 years ago, likening the arrival of the Fujian to "revenge." It seems they intend to showcase military pride by commissioning the Fujian on the 3rd of next month, coinciding with the anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War (Victory Day).
◇"The same sea, where 88 years ago it was a Japanese warship, now it is the Fujian"
According to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP), China Central Television (CCTV) released footage related to the Fujian on the 23rd through its military channel. The video deliberately contrasts the Fujian with the Japanese Imperial Navy flagship "Izumo," which sailed in the same waters 88 years ago.
The video states, "In August 2025, the first catapult-type aircraft carrier Fujian, which China designed and built completely independently, is preparing for commissioning. 88 years ago, the Japanese invading fleet flagship Izumo roamed these very waters." A naval history expert appearing in the video explained, "The port of the Izumo targeted downtown Shanghai," adding, "This warship was purchased with the indemnities from the Treaty of Shimonoseki (after the First Sino-Japanese War) and symbolizes Japanese invasion."
SCMP analyzed that the timing of the video's release before the Victory Day parade on the 3rd suggests that the Fujian could be commissioned as early as the day of Victory Day. On Chinese social media, the 3rd of September (Victory Day) and the date of the Manchurian Incident (September 18) are mentioned as likely commissioning dates.
◇'Electromagnetic catapult' previously only held by the U.S... a game changer
The Fujian, launched in June 2022, has a displacement of 80,000 tons, making it the largest warship in Asia. The main difference from existing carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, is the method of aircraft launch. Unlike previous carriers that used ski jumps, the Fujian adopted an "electromagnetic catapult" (launcher).
The electromagnetic catapult is a technology applied only to the latest U.S. carriers. It can launch heavier aircraft than the ski-jump method and has shorter launch intervals, making it a key technology dramatically enhancing carrier combat capability. If the Fujian is commissioned, China will become the only country operating an electromagnetic catapult carrier, excluding the United States. The Fujian is expected to carry various aircraft, including stealth fighters, early warning aircraft, and electronic warfare aircraft.
Since its first voyage in May last year, the Fujian has completed a total of 8 sea trials over 117 days. This is a longer period than Liaoning (109 days) and Shandong (84 days), indicating it has a more complex system and a higher level of technical completeness.
◇Victory Day parade D-10..."The equipment is for combat"
On the 3rd of next month, China will hold a large-scale military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in celebration of Victory Day. They have already completed three comprehensive training sessions, and a joint military band of over 1,000 members, the largest in history, will be mobilized.
A commander of a tank unit participating in the parade stated in a CCTV interview, "The equipment for the parade was not made for display but for fighting," and noted, "From the training ground to the parade site, if ordered, we can go directly from the parade site to the battlefield."