China’s Latest Aircraft Carrier Passes Taiwan Strait for Final Testing and Evaluation in South China Sea Operations

China’s Fujian Aircraft Carrier Completes Strait Transit, Nears Operational Status

Published: September 12, 2025

Beijing – China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently passed through the Taiwan Strait as part of planned research and training exercises, signaling a significant advancement in the country’s naval prowess. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) confirmed the vessel is now en route to the South China Sea for further testing before its official commissioning.

Fujian’s Journey and Capabilities

Senior Captain Leng Guowei, a spokesperson for the PLAN, stated on Friday that these cross-regional exercises are standard procedure during the Fujian’s construction phase and are not directed at any specific entity. The 80,000-tonne Fujian is poised to join the Liaoning and Shandong as China’s third operational aircraft carrier, representing a substantial leap in its naval capabilities.

Fu Qianshao,a military analyst based in China,indicated to State-run media that the movement to the South China Sea suggests the Fujian is nearing completion of its testing phase. Prior to this, the carrier underwent evaluations in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea.

International Observation and Response

Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force reported observing the Fujian near the Senkaku Islands – known as the Diaoyu Islands in China and the Diaoyutai Islands in Taiwan – while it was traversing towards the Taiwan Strait, accompanied by two PLAN destroyers.This observation underscores the increased scrutiny surrounding China’s naval movements in the region.

Technological Advancements

the Fujian stands out as one of only two aircraft carriers globally, alongside the USS Gerald Ford, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system. This technology streamlines aircraft launches and landings. Maritime expert and former United states Air Force Colonel Ray Powell noted this progress indicates a narrowing technological gap between China and the United States, although some limitations remain.

Despite being approximately 20 percent smaller than its American counterparts and utilizing conventional power rather of nuclear power, the fujian represents a notable achievement in Chinese naval engineering. A key hurdle for China will be efficiently staffing its growing fleet of aircraft carriers.

Timeline for Commissioning

While no firm date has been announced, the US Naval Institute (USNI) suggests the commissioning ceremony may align with a date of past meaning to China. Potential dates include September 18, marking the 1931 Japanese invasion of Manchuria, or China’s National Day on October 1.

Aircraft Carrier	Tonnage	Propulsion	Catapult System
Fujian	80,000 tonnes	conventional	Electromagnetic
Liaoning	67,500 tonnes	Conventional	Ski-jump
Shandong	70,000 tonnes	Conventional	Ski-jump
USS Gerald R. Ford	100,000+ tonnes	Nuclear	Electromagnetic

Did You Know? The electromagnetic catapult system allows for faster and more frequent aircraft launches compared to traditional steam catapults, increasing operational tempo.

Pro Tip: Monitoring naval movements in the South China sea and Taiwan Strait is crucial for understanding geopolitical tensions and potential flashpoints.

What impact will the Fujian’s advanced capabilities have on regional power dynamics? How will China address the challenges of crewing and maintaining its expanding aircraft carrier fleet?

China’s Naval Expansion: A Historical Perspective

China’s pursuit of a modern, blue-water navy is a relatively recent phenomenon, accelerating in the 21st century. This expansion is driven by a desire to protect its growing economic interests, secure sea lanes of communication, and assert its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The acquisition of aircraft carriers is a centerpiece of this strategy, signifying a shift from a predominantly coastal defense force to a more globally capable navy. According to a 2024 report by the Council on Foreign Relations, China’s naval budget has increased dramatically over the past two decades, reflecting its commitment to modernization.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Fujian aircraft Carrier

• What is the significance of the Fujian aircraft carrier? The Fujian represents china’s most advanced aircraft carrier to date, featuring a cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult system.
• Where is the Fujian currently located? The Fujian is currently undergoing testing in the South China Sea following its transit through the Taiwan Strait.
• How does the Fujian compare to US aircraft carriers? The Fujian is smaller and conventionally powered, but features similar technology in its catapult system as the USS Gerald Ford.
• What are the potential implications of the Fujian’s deployment? The deployment could alter the balance of power in the region and increase tensions in the South China Sea.
• When is the Fujian expected to enter full service? While no official date has been announced, experts believe it might very well be commissioned around a date of historical significance to China.

Share your thoughts on China’s growing naval power in the comments below!

What are the strategic implications of the Fujian’s CATOBAR system for China’s naval power projection capabilities?

Recent transit and Operational Context

On September 11, 2025, China’s newest aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian (17), transited the Taiwan Strait, reportedly for final testing and evaluation exercises in the South China Sea. This passage, confirmed by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, marks a significant step in the carrier’s operational readiness. The Fujian, a Type 003 carrier, represents a leap forward in China’s naval capabilities, featuring a catapult launch system (CATOBAR) – a first for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

This transit occurred amidst heightened regional tensions, including ongoing concerns regarding China’s military posture towards Taiwan and its assertive claims in the South China Sea. The timing is crucial, coinciding with increased international scrutiny of China’s naval expansion and its implications for regional security. Monitoring of the Fujian’s movements is being conducted by naval forces in the region, including the US Navy and Japan maritime Self-defense Force.

Key Features of the CNS Fujian: A Technological Advancement

The Fujian distinguishes itself from its predecessors, the Liaoning and Shandong, thru several key technological advancements:

* CATOBAR System: The catapult launch system allows for faster and more frequent aircraft launches compared to the ski-jump takeoff systems used on previous chinese carriers. This substantially increases the carrier’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

* Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS): The Fujian utilizes EMALS, a more advanced catapult system than traditional steam catapults, offering greater precision and reduced stress on aircraft.

* Larger Displacement: With a displacement of over 80,000 tons, the Fujian is larger than the liaoning and Shandong, providing increased capacity for aircraft and stores.

* Advanced Radar Systems: The carrier is equipped with advanced radar systems for enhanced situational awareness and target tracking.

* Improved Command and Control: The Fujian boasts a more sophisticated command and control suite, enabling better coordination of air and sea operations.

These features position the Fujian as a more capable and modern aircraft carrier, bringing China closer to parity with established naval powers. The carrier is expected to operate primarily with J-15 fighter jets, as well as potentially future generations of carrier-based aircraft.

South China Sea Operations: Testing and Evaluation

the primary purpose of the Fujian’s deployment to the South China Sea is to conduct comprehensive testing and evaluation of its systems and capabilities in a realistic operational environment. This includes:

1. Aircraft Launch and Recovery Operations: Extensive testing of the EMALS and arresting gear systems under various sea conditions.
2. Air Wing Integration: Evaluating the compatibility and effectiveness of the carrier’s air wing, including J-15 fighters, helicopters, and early warning aircraft.
3. Damage Control Drills: Assessing the carrier’s ability to withstand and respond to battle damage.
4. Electronic Warfare Capabilities: Testing the carrier’s electronic warfare systems and its ability to operate in a contested electromagnetic environment.
5. Logistics and Replenishment: Practicing at-sea replenishment and logistical support operations.

These exercises are crucial for validating the Fujian’s operational readiness and identifying any remaining deficiencies before it enters full-scale service. The South China Sea provides a complex and challenging environment for these tests, mirroring the conditions the carrier might encounter in a potential conflict scenario.

Implications for Regional Security & Taiwan Strait Dynamics

The deployment of the Fujian has significant implications for regional security and the delicate balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.

* Increased Chinese Naval presence: The carrier’s entry into service will significantly increase China’s naval presence in the South China Sea and the broader region.

* Enhanced Power Projection: The Fujian will enable China to project its military power further from its shores, potentially influencing events in Southeast Asia,