The vessel was first unveiled in 2022, but commenced sea trials last year. Currently, China operates two other carriers — the Liaoning and the Shandong — while the Fujian is undergoing sea trials and is yet to be officially inducted into service.
“China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently transited the Taiwan Strait and proceeded to relevant waters in the South China Sea for scientific research trials and training missions,” stated the Chinese navy.
“This cross-regional trial and training exercise for the Fujian is a routine process in the carrier’s construction and is not directed at any specific target,” it added.
China claims the Taiwan Strait as its own territory; however, Taiwan’s government disputes Beijing’s claim of sovereignty.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has yet to respond to a request for comment.
China’s naval expansion
In recent years, China has been consistently expanding its naval capabilities, aiming to extend its influence in the Pacific and rival the US and its allies in the region.
The Liaoning, which China acquired from Ukraine in 1998, is the oldest Chinese aircraft carrier, whereas the Shandong entered service in 2019. Experts anticipate that the Fujian will exhibit more advanced features, enabling the Chinese air force to deploy jets equipped with larger payloads and additional fuel.
Edited by Sean Sinico
