China’s New Aircraft Carrier Fujian Conducts Sea Trials Through Taiwan Strait

China’s new aircraft carrier, the Fujian, conducted sea trials through the Taiwan Strait into the South China Sea. Still in testing, it has not yet entered service. China claims the strait, which Taiwan disputes, and is expanding its naval power. The Fujian will support jets with larger payloads and longer range.

China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently sailed through the Taiwan Strait and into the South China Sea to conduct a series of exercises, according to a statement from the Chinese navy on Friday. The move marks another milestone in China’s ongoing efforts to enhance its naval capabilities and project power beyond its immediate coastal waters.

The Fujian was first revealed to the public in 2022, but it only began its sea trials last year. While China currently operates two carriers—the Liaoning and the Shandong—the Fujian remains in the testing phase and has yet to formally enter active service. Chinese military officials emphasize that the exercises are part of routine trials designed to test the vessel’s performance, onboard systems, and the operational coordination of its crew.

“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,” the Chinese navy stated. The statement underlined that these cross-regional trials and training exercises are standard steps in the carrier’s development and are not aimed at any particular country or target.

China asserts sovereignty over the Taiwan Strait, a claim strongly rejected by the Taiwanese government. In response to the Fujian’s movements, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that it has been closely monitoring the situation through joint intelligence surveillance and has taken all necessary precautions to ensure national security.

Over the past several years, China has been steadily expanding its naval capabilities as part of a broader strategy to extend its influence in the Pacific region and challenge the strategic presence of the United States and its regional allies. This expansion includes not only the addition of new carriers but also modern submarines, destroyers, and other support vessels, all aimed at strengthening China’s maritime reach.

The Liaoning, which China acquired from Ukraine in 1998, remains the oldest active Chinese aircraft carrier, while the Shandong entered service in 2019. Military analysts note that the Fujian is expected to be a significant upgrade, incorporating more advanced technology that will allow the Chinese air force to deploy aircraft with larger payloads and extended fuel capacity. The carrier’s design improvements could enhance China’s operational flexibility in potential regional conflicts and increase its ability to project air power over greater distances.

Overall, the Fujian’s deployment and trials highlight China’s continued focus on building a modern, capable navy that can operate far from its shores while demonstrating its growing influence in contested maritime regions.