Context
China is rapidly expanding its navy to enhance blue-water capability and narrow the gap with the U.S. Navy.
Loudi
- Loudi is a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer of the PLA Navy.
- Role: Multi-role surface combatant
- Air defence
- Anti-ship warfare
What is Fujian?
- Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier (Type 003).
- Largest and most advanced Chinese carrier so far.
- Uses electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) — similar to U.S. carriers.
- Signifies China’s shift from coastal defence to global naval power projection.
