China's third aircraft carrier entered service this week, state media said on Friday, marking a key milestone in President Xi Jinping's drive to modernise the military.

The Fujian joins China's fleet as Beijing projects its maritime power against the United States and others in the region, with flashpoints including territorial disputes in the South China Sea and persisting claims over Taiwan.

The latest aircraft carrier is equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) -- something that previously only the USS Gerald R. Ford possessed.

The advanced take-off system allows the Chinese air force to deploy jets carrying larger payloads and more fuel.

State news agency Xinhua said Friday that Xi had "personally decided" that the Fujian -- which shares the name of the provi

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