China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has completed a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait en route to scheduled training exercises in the South China Sea, according to a statement from the Chinese Defense Ministry. Spokesperson Jiang Bin emphasized the maneuver aligns with standard procedures during vessel construction and complies with international maritime norms.
The 80,000-ton domestically developed carrier represents China's growing naval modernization efforts. Jiang clarified the deployment was 'not directed at any specific party,' amid heightened regional attention to military movements in sensitive waterways.
Analysts note the South China Sea drills will likely focus on testing the carrier's electromagnetic catapult system – a key technological advancement enabling more efficient aircraft launches. The waterway serves as a vital trade corridor, with $3.4 trillion in annual shipborne commerce transiting through its routes.
While Taiwan authorities monitored the passage, Beijing reiterated its stance that such activities fall within China's sovereign rights. The development comes as cross-strait dialogues continue through non-governmental channels, with business leaders from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan recently convening in Xiamen to discuss semiconductor cooperation.
