Photo/Illutration In this image taken from video footage run by China’s CCTV, sailors applaud as China’s third aircraft carrier christened Fujian is launched at a dry dock in Shanghai, June 17, 2022. Chinese characters on screen read ‘Our country’s third aircraft carrier launched into water, named Fujian’ (CCTV via AP)

BEIJING--China on Friday launched its third aircraft carrier, the first such ship to be designed and built entirely within the country.

The 003 new-generation aircraft carrier christened Fujian left its drydock at a shipyard in Shanghai in the morning and tied up at a nearby pier, state media reports said.

State broadcaster CCTV showed assembled navy personnel standing beneath the massive ship as water jets sprayed over its deck and multi-colored streamers flew and colorful smoke was released.

The launch comes as China seeks to extend the range and power of its navy.

Equipped with the latest weaponry and aircraft-launch technology, the ship’s capabilities are thought to rival those of Western carriers, as Beijing seeks to turn its navy, already the world’s largest, into a multi-carrier force.