The People’s Republic of China officially cut the ribbon Wednesday on the newest and most advanced aircraft carrier to enter their navy’s service, according to state media. The Fujian was commissioned into service at a ceremony and display of military power held at a military port on the island of Hainan in South China,

China has commissioned the CNS Fujian, its first domestically built carrier with electromagnetic catapults. The 80,000-ton carrier marks a major step in the nation’s naval modernization under President Xi Jinping.

China’s newest aircraft carrier may only be able to conduct air operations at about 60% the rate of a 50-year-old US Navy carrier, two former US carrier officers say, a substantial combat limitation for a vessel meant to revolutionize Beijing’s fleet.

Technological breakthrough could revolutionise commercial shipping, naval engineering and deep sea operations if rolled out at scale.

The Chinese military said it deployed naval vessels to protect international sea lanes and maintain regional peace and stability.

A Chinese naval fleet including a guided-missile destroyer, missile frigate and comprehensive supply ship set sail earlier this month from a port in eastern Qingdao, heading to the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters.