China launches third aircraft carrier

China has launched its third aircraft carrier. Amid tensions with the United States over Taiwan and Chinese claims in the South China Sea, the “Fujian” was launched on Friday, according to state media reports. The ship, which was designed by the People’s Republic itself, features an aircraft catapult system (China.Table reported). With its third aircraft carrier, China overtakes the United Kingdom, which only operates two such vessels. Only the United States is better equipped, with eleven aircraft carriers. Russia’s navy has one carrier named “Admiral Kuznetsov,” which is currently not operational due to repair work. rtr/nib