China's naval modernization has reached a historic milestone with the formal commissioning of its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking the nation's entry into a "three-carrier era" that officials say will strengthen regional stability. The development, announced by State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua on November 12, 2025, underscores Beijing's commitment to safeguarding territorial integrity amid heightened cross-strait tensions.
The Liaoning and Shandong carriers, commissioned in 2012 and 2019 respectively, laid the foundation for China's blue-water capabilities. The Fujian, equipped with advanced electromagnetic catapults, represents a leap in operational efficiency and combat readiness. Chen emphasized that these advancements align with the Chinese mainland's "legitimate right to enhance national defense" while adhering to peaceful development principles.
"This progression demonstrates our resolve to protect sovereignty without compromise," Chen stated during a press briefing. Analysts note the Fujian's deployment could recalibrate security dynamics in the Taiwan Strait, where recent military exercises have drawn international attention. Media reports in the Taiwan region have extensively covered the carrier's capabilities, with some outlets highlighting its domestically developed launch system as evidence of China's growing technological self-reliance.
While Chen did not directly address Taiwan authorities' reactions, he reiterated that "any attempts to undermine national unity will meet resolute opposition." The spokesperson's remarks come as regional governments monitor China's naval expansion and its implications for Asia's evolving security architecture.
