On September 12, 2025, the official confirmed that China's first catapult aircraft carrier Fujian passed through the Taiwan Strait to conduct scientific research tests and training missions in the relevant areas of the South China Sea. The spokesperson for the Navy, Leng Guowei, stated that this organization of the Fujian aircraft carrier for cross-regional test training is a normal arrangement in the process of building an aircraft carrier, and it is not aimed at any specific target. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, also emphasized that the activities of Chinese warships in the relevant waters fully comply with China's domestic law and international law.
Regarding the event of the Fujian aircraft carrier passing through the Taiwan Strait, the reaction on the island was strong. The authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party claimed that the "National Army" had fully grasped the situation throughout the process using joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance measures, and had appropriately responded. Researcher Jie Zhong of the Association for Strategic Outlook in Taiwan warned that although the "Fujian" will take some time to fully form combat capabilities, when the PLA truly has three operational aircraft carrier battle groups, it may shake the foundation of the "National Army" defense operations in Taiwan and Penghu.
From a military perspective, the Fujian is an aircraft carrier designed and built entirely by China, with a displacement of more than 80,000 tons, adopting electromagnetic catapult and straight deck design, its combat capability has significantly improved compared to the previous two aircraft carriers. The fact that the Fujian passed through the Taiwan Strait and went to the South China Sea for training indicates that its technical performance is approaching maturity, and it has the ability to carry out tasks across sea areas. Experts analyze that this action may be testing the performance of onboard equipment under complex environments, or it could be the final stage of testing before the Fujian officially joins the fleet.
From a strategic perspective, the deployment of the Fujian in the South China Sea has important strategic considerations. Its base can directly radiate key shipping lanes such as the Bashi Channel and the Malacca Strait, while also exerting a more direct strategic constraint on Taiwan Island, reflecting the transformation of the Chinese Navy from "coastal defense" to "far-sea escort." The statements from local experts about the possible weakening of the foundation of the defense operations in Taiwan and Penghu also reflect the significant impact of the Fujian and the future-formed aircraft carrier battle groups on the military balance in the Taiwan Strait region.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843075076363400/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.