BEIJING (AFP) — China’s third aircraft carrier entered service after a ceremony this week marking its handover to the navy, state media said on Friday, a key milestone in President Xi Jinping’s drive to modernize the military.

The Fujian joins China’s fleet as Beijing seeks to project maritime power against the United States (US) and others in the region, with flashpoints including competing territorial claims in the South China Sea and persisting tensions with Taiwan.

The official commissioning, attended by Xi, took place at a naval port in China’s southern island province of Hainan on Wednesday, Xinhua reported.

Footage of the proceedings released by state broadcaster CCTV showed Xi and other top officials from the ruling Communist Party (CCP) in attendance at the port.

Analysts say China lags behind the US, which has 11 aircraft carriers in service, in overall military prowess.

But Beijing has directed billions of dollars into defense in recent years, a trend that has unnerved some governments in East Asia despite China insisting its aims are peaceful.

The navy in particular has seen a massive expansion as leaders seek to grow China’s reach in the Pacific and challenge a US-led alliance.

After conducting sea trials in recent months, the Fujian now joins China’s other two carriers in active operation, the Liaoning and the Shandong.

The Soviet-built Liaoning is the oldest, commissioned in 2012, while the Shandong entered service in 2019.

Analysts have said that the latest carrier boasts more advanced take-off systems, allowing the Chinese air force to deploy jets carrying larger payloads and more fuel.