Read previewChina is building a fleet of aircraft carriers, making technological and capability jumps at a breakneck pace. An aerial drone photo taken on May 1, 2024 shows China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, during its maiden sea trials. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford transits the Strait of Gibraltar, Jan. 5, 2024. For China, having aircraft carriers allows it to enjoy many of those perks. A composite image shows the American flag flying near the bridge of the US Navy's first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and the Chinese flag flying near China's aircraft carrier Shandong.

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