Chinese carrier Fujian transits Taiwan Strait during sea trials

China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, sailed through the Taiwan Strait and entered the South China Sea as part of ongoing sea trials. The operation comes ahead of the vessel’s expected commissioning, according to defense analysts.

Fujian is accompanied by two missile destroyers and was tracked approximately 200 kilometers from the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, which are subject to territorial disputes between China and Japan. The Chinese Navy stated that the mission aims to conduct scientific research and crew training.

Launched in 2022, Fujian is the third aircraft carrier of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), following Liaoning and Shandong. The carrier began sea trials last year but has not yet entered formal service. Official sources indicate that the vessel is not yet operating aircraft, as its air wing is still in production.

Fujian features a flat flight deck and electromagnetic catapults, enabling the launch of a broader range of aircraft compared to its predecessors. The planned air wing is expected to include the J-15T carrier-based fighter, the J-35 stealth fighter, early warning aircraft KJ-500A, helicopters, and potentially advanced drones. The use of electromagnetic launch systems allows for deployment of heavier and more varied aircraft, expanding the carrier’s operational capabilities.

The vessel’s transit occurred while US and Japanese marines were holding exercises on Okinawa. Taiwan’s authorities reported monitoring the situation and implementing appropriate measures, reiterating their view that the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway. In contrast, China regards the strait as its territorial waters.

Over the past five years, China has increased military activity near Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province. The Fujian’s navigation through these waters is seen by some observers as a signal to the US and other nations regarding support for Taiwan.

Next steps involve continued sea trials and integration of the carrier’s air wing. Analysts expect the Fujian to enter active service by the end of the year, potentially altering the balance of naval aviation capabilities in the region.

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Ricardo Meier

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