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China's Shandong Aircraft Carrier Enters Service, Signaling a New Era for the PLA Navy

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 4:34 GMT by CNN
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China’s Latest Aircraft Carrier Enters Service, Signaling a New Era for the People’s Liberation Army Navy

On a quiet day in early 2024, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) announced that its newest aircraft carrier, the Shandong (formerly known as Liaoning 2), had officially entered active service. The ceremony, held in the East China Sea, marked the culmination of more than a decade of China’s naval modernization and its transformation into a blue‑water maritime power.

From Prototype to Powerhouse

The Shandong is the second aircraft carrier built by China, following the Liaoning, which was a refurbished Soviet‑built vessel that entered service in 2012. Unlike the Liaoning, the Shandong was constructed entirely domestically, incorporating lessons learned from the earlier carrier’s operation and incorporating advanced propulsion and aviation systems.

Key specifications highlighted during the launch include a displacement of 60,000 tonnes, a flight deck length of 300 metres, and a full‑aircraft complement of up to 40 jets, a significant increase over the Liaoning’s 20‑jet capacity. The carrier employs a CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take‑Off, Belts‑Assisted Landing) system, allowing it to launch heavier aircraft such as the J-15 and the newly developed J-16M strike fighters.

The Shandong’s nuclear‑powered variant is reportedly in development, but for now, it relies on a conventional steam‑turbine propulsion plant. The design also features a state‑of‑the‑art command and control suite, integrating satellite communications, electronic warfare suites, and advanced radar arrays.

Political Context and Strategic Implications

China’s expansion of its carrier fleet has been a subject of intense scrutiny in the Indo‑Pacific region. The Shandong’s entry into service comes at a time when the U.S. Navy has been increasing its presence in the Western Pacific, and regional rivals such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are bolstering their own maritime capabilities.

In an official statement, the PLAN highlighted the carrier’s role in enhancing China’s ability to conduct long‑range power projection, support maritime security operations, and defend national interests in contested waters such as the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Analysts note that the Shandong’s deployment allows China to operate aircraft and naval assets far from its home ports, thereby extending its strategic reach and providing a deterrent against potential adversaries.

The U.S. State Department, in a related briefing, acknowledged China’s growing naval capabilities while stressing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation. “We welcome the continued modernization of the Chinese Navy, but we also emphasize the need for transparent, rules‑based engagement in the region,” the statement read.

Technological Advancements and Training

The Shandong’s commissioning is accompanied by an intensive training program for Chinese crews. According to a report from The Maritime Executive, the PLAN is investing heavily in simulation training, flight deck operations, and anti‑aircraft defense drills. The carrier’s crews have reportedly completed a series of mock missions, including catapult launches, arrested landings, and coordinated operations with escort destroyers and amphibious assault ships.

The carrier’s integration of advanced radar and missile defense systems, such as the H/PJ-12 short‑range surface‑to‑air missile system, enhances its survivability against air and surface threats. In addition, the Shandong features an automated replenishment system designed to support sustained operations at sea.

International Reactions

The announcement attracted commentary from several international media outlets. Reuters covered the event, noting that the Shandong’s launch is the latest milestone in China’s naval expansion, adding context about the country’s broader “maritime Silk Road” ambitions. BBC News highlighted the regional security implications, particularly for neighboring countries with ongoing territorial disputes.

Japanese Defense Ministry officials, in a statement, emphasized the need for “mutual respect and confidence building” amid the changing maritime balance. South Korean analysts pointed to the importance of maintaining a strong naval presence to safeguard the Korean Peninsula’s security interests.

Looking Forward

The Shandong’s successful launch is more than a technological achievement; it represents a strategic shift in China’s military posture. While the carrier is still in the early stages of operational deployment, its presence signals a new chapter in the PLAN’s capability to conduct sustained air operations over vast oceanic expanses.

As China continues to refine its carrier design—potentially moving toward nuclear propulsion—and as the Shandong gains operational experience, the region will likely see an evolving maritime dynamic. Analysts predict that the carrier’s deployment will prompt both collaborative security frameworks and heightened vigilance among regional partners and the United States.

In conclusion, the Shandong’s entry into service is a testament to China’s growing naval ambition and a milestone that will shape maritime security in the Indo‑Pacific for years to come.