China’s newest aircraft carrier sails through Taiwan Strait

The Fujian is China’s newest aircraft carrier, and experts say it features advanced take-off systems for air force jets. China called the ship’s trip through the Taiwan Strait “a routine arrangement.”

China’s third and latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, sailed through the Taiwan Strait and into the South China Sea to conduct exercises, the Chinese navy said on Friday.

The vessel was first unveiled in 2022, but began sea trials last year. Currently, China has two carriers in operation — the Liaoning and the Shandong — while the Fujian is undergoing sea trials and is yet to join the service formally.

“Our country’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently transited the Taiwan Strait en route to relevant waters in the South China Sea to conduct scientific research trials and training missions,” China’s navy said.

“This cross-regional trial and training exercise for the Fujian is a routine arrangement in the carrier’s construction process and is not directed at any specific target,” it added.

China claims the Taiwan Strait as its own territory; however, Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it has been monitoring the situation with joint intelligence surveillance and has taken appropriate measures.

China’s expansion of naval power

In the past few years, China has steadily been expanding its naval capacity as it seeks to broaden its reach in the Pacific and challenge the US and its allies in the region.

The Liaoning, which China bought from Ukraine in 1998, is the oldest Chinese aircraft carrier, and the Shandong entered service in 2019. Experts say the Fujian is expected to feature more advanced features that will allow the Chinese air force to deploy jets carrying larger payloads and more fuel.

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