China's latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, embarked on its first sea trial on Wednesday, according to the state-run news agency Xinhua. The trial aims to evaluate the reliability and stability of the carrier's propulsion and electrical systems. While this marks a significant milestone for the Chinese Navy, experts suggest that the Fujian still falls short of the standards set by US aircraft carriers.

The Fujian, which is China's third and most advanced carrier, departed from a shipyard in Shanghai at 8 a.m. local time to commence the sea trials that have been highly anticipated for months. However, John Bradford, an International Affairs fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted the superiority of US carriers, stating that "there is nothing yet that compares to the USS carriers."

Images shared on social media previously showcased the Fujian docked in Shanghai, complete with five mock-up warplanes on its flight deck. Unlike China's other carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, the Fujian is equipped with a catapult system similar to that of US carriers. The Congressional Research Service noted that the Fujian is closer in size and flight deck configuration to US Navy carriers but is still regarded as falling short of them.

The Fujian, relying on conventional power, requires periodic refueling either by docking at a port or being met by a tanker at sea. In contrast, US nuclear-powered carriers can remain at sea for extended periods. Satellite images from 2021 estimated the Fujian to be approximately 984 feet long and 131 feet wide, making it smaller than the USS Gerald Ford Class carriers, which measure 1,092 feet long and 1,106 feet wide.

The Fujian boasts three electromagnetic catapults, one less than the USS Gerald Ford Class. It has an estimated aircraft capacity of about 60, while the largest US carriers can accommodate around 75 aircraft, as per estimates by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) cited by CNN.

Previously, it was reported that China's other aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, had outdated designs and smaller air wings, making them significantly inferior to their US counterparts.

The sea trial of the Fujian signifies China's continued efforts to strengthen its naval capabilities. While the carrier is a notable achievement for the Chinese Navy, it remains to be seen how it will fare in comparison to the advancements and capabilities of US aircraft carriers.