China’s New Aircraft Carrier Passes Through Taiwan Strait Amid Sea Trials
China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Friday, the Chinese navy confirmed. The strait separates China from Taiwan, the self-governing island Beijing claims as part of its territory.
The voyage, part of the carrier’s ongoing sea trials, saw the Fujian heading toward the South China Sea for training and scientific exercises. Chinese officials emphasized that the trip was not targeting any other country, describing the route as the most “normal and efficient” way to reach the training area.
This marks the first time the Fujian has passed through the Taiwan Strait, according to Chinese state-affiliated social media accounts.
Strategic Context
The passage comes amid heightened regional tensions. The US Navy and its allies regularly transit the Taiwan Strait to signal opposition to any forced attempts by Beijing to control Taiwan. Recent movements by a Canadian frigate and an Australian destroyer also prompted China to place its military on high alert.
Japan’s military reported spotting the Fujian for the first time on Thursday, accompanied by two guided-missile destroyers, sailing approximately 200 km (125 miles) from the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, claimed by both China and Japan.
About the Fujian
The Fujian is undergoing its ninth sea trial since May 2024, fueling speculation that the carrier will soon be officially commissioned. Analysts say the ship demonstrates China’s growing naval capabilities and strategic ambitions in the region.
Taiwan and US Position
Taiwan and China have been politically divided since the Chinese Civil War in 1949. While the US does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, it supplies the island with defensive weaponry and advocates for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait tensions.
With the Fujian now in active trials, regional observers are watching closely for any shifts in naval activity across the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters.
