China's Fujian Aircraft Carrier Embarks on Taiwan Strait Exercises

China's Newest Aircraft Carrier Sails Through Taiwan Strait BEIJING, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 - China's latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has sailed through the Taiwan Strait and into the South China Sea to conduct exercises, according to a statement from the Chinese navy. The Fujian, which was first unveiled in 2022, began its sea trials last year. Currently, China has two carriers in operation: the Liaoning and the Shandong. The Fujian is still undergoing sea trials and has not yet formally joined the service. "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," said a statement from the Chinese navy. "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." The transit of the Taiwan Strait has raised concerns among Taiwanese officials, who have been pushing to develop their military capacities with sea drones. "We are closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary measures to ensure our national security," said a spokesperson for the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense. "We urge China to respect our sovereignty and territorial integrity." The Fujian's deployment is part of China's ongoing efforts to modernize its naval capabilities. The aircraft carrier is equipped with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and a range of air defense missiles. China claims the Taiwan Strait as its own territory, but Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. The dispute has been a major point of contention between the two sides for decades. The Fujian's deployment into the South China Sea is also significant, as it marks one of the first times that a Chinese aircraft carrier has operated in the region. The move is likely to be seen as a demonstration of China's growing military presence in the area. As the world watches China's expanding naval capabilities, experts are weighing in on the implications for regional security and global politics. "This deployment is a clear indication of China's intentions to project power across the Indo-Pacific," said Dr. Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. "It's a significant development that will have far-reaching consequences for regional stability." The Fujian is expected to continue its exercises in the South China Sea over the coming weeks. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: China's growing naval capabilities are changing the dynamics of regional security. Background and Context China has been rapidly modernizing its navy in recent years, with a focus on building up its aircraft carrier fleet. The Fujian is the third Chinese aircraft carrier to be commissioned, following the Liaoning and Shandong. The Taiwan Strait has long been a point of contention between China and Taiwan. China claims the island as part of its own territory, while Taiwan's government asserts its sovereignty. Additional Perspectives Experts say that the deployment of the Fujian is likely to have significant implications for regional security. "This move by China will only serve to heighten tensions in the region," said Dr. Storey. "It's a clear indication of China's intentions to project power across the Indo-Pacific." Current Status and Next Developments The Fujian is expected to continue its exercises in the South China Sea over the coming weeks. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: China's growing naval capabilities are changing the dynamics of regional security. China's navy has stated that the Fujian will conduct scientific research trials and training missions in the region. However, experts say that the deployment is likely to be seen as a demonstration of China's growing military presence in the area. As the world watches China's expanding naval capabilities, one thing is clear: the implications for regional security and global politics are far-reaching. *Reporting by Dw.*