China's Newest Aircraft Carrier Completes Transit Through Taiwan Strait
The Fujian, China's third and newest aircraft carrier, has successfully completed its transit through the sensitive Taiwan Strait.
Beijing has announced that its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently sailed through the Taiwan Strait to conduct 'scientific research trials and training missions' in the South China Sea.
This move has raised concerns among neighboring countries due to China's increased military spending and modernization efforts over recent years.
The Chinese navy stated that the cross-regional trials are a standard part of the aircraft carrier's construction process, not targeting any specific entity.
However, this transit through the Taiwan Strait is seen as a display of China's growing military strength and its aspiration to become a maritime great power.
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense utilized 'joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance means' to monitor the situation.
Japan's defense ministry confirmed that three Chinese naval ships were advancing southwest near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands on Thursday afternoon.
This marks the first time the Fujian aircraft carrier was identified by Japan.
Last year, Chinese vessels sailed near these islands a record 355 times, intensifying regional tensions.
The South China Sea presents a challenging environment with harsher conditions, making the trials for the Fujian more rigorous.
Once sea trials and adaptive training are completed, it is likely that the Fujian will be commissioned into active service.
Compared to China's older carriers, the Liaoning (commissioned in 2012) and Shandong (2019), the Fujian is expected to feature more advanced take-off systems, enabling the Chinese air force to deploy jets with larger payloads and more fuel.
China has been expanding its naval forces significantly over recent years as part of its efforts to enhance its reach in the Pacific and challenge US-led alliances.
According to the US Department of Defense, China currently has the world's largest navy, with a battle force exceeding 370 ships and submarines.
The deployment of two aircraft carrier groups around Taiwan in May further underscores these ambitions.
The Chinese Communist Party has not ruled out using force to seize control of Taiwan, a democratic, self-ruled island that China claims as part of its territory.
As tensions escalate, neighboring countries remain closely monitoring these developments.
This move has raised concerns among neighboring countries due to China's increased military spending and modernization efforts over recent years.
The Chinese navy stated that the cross-regional trials are a standard part of the aircraft carrier's construction process, not targeting any specific entity.
However, this transit through the Taiwan Strait is seen as a display of China's growing military strength and its aspiration to become a maritime great power.
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense utilized 'joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance means' to monitor the situation.
Japan's defense ministry confirmed that three Chinese naval ships were advancing southwest near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands on Thursday afternoon.
This marks the first time the Fujian aircraft carrier was identified by Japan.
Last year, Chinese vessels sailed near these islands a record 355 times, intensifying regional tensions.
The South China Sea presents a challenging environment with harsher conditions, making the trials for the Fujian more rigorous.
Once sea trials and adaptive training are completed, it is likely that the Fujian will be commissioned into active service.
Compared to China's older carriers, the Liaoning (commissioned in 2012) and Shandong (2019), the Fujian is expected to feature more advanced take-off systems, enabling the Chinese air force to deploy jets with larger payloads and more fuel.
China has been expanding its naval forces significantly over recent years as part of its efforts to enhance its reach in the Pacific and challenge US-led alliances.
According to the US Department of Defense, China currently has the world's largest navy, with a battle force exceeding 370 ships and submarines.
The deployment of two aircraft carrier groups around Taiwan in May further underscores these ambitions.
The Chinese Communist Party has not ruled out using force to seize control of Taiwan, a democratic, self-ruled island that China claims as part of its territory.
As tensions escalate, neighboring countries remain closely monitoring these developments.
