TAIPEI, Taiwan – China’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday, according to Taiwan’s defense ministry, as Taipei continued a large-scale military exercise focused on responding to a potential attack from Beijing.
The transit by the aircraft carrier Fujian came one day after Taiwan launched a five-day military drill designed to strengthen preparedness against a possible Chinese military operation targeting the self-governed island.
The latest movement underscores continuing tensions across the Taiwan Strait, one of Asia’s most strategically significant waterways.
Carrier Passage Coincides With Taiwan Defense Exercise
Taiwan’s defense ministry said the Fujian sailed through the strait on Tuesday, marking another high-profile deployment of China’s most capable aircraft carrier.
The vessel previously passed through the waterway during sea trials in September last year. It later completed its first transit as a fully commissioned warship in December.
China has increased military activity around Taiwan in recent years, regularly sending naval vessels and military aircraft into areas near the island. Such operations have become increasingly frequent and now occur almost daily.
Taiwan began its latest military exercise on Monday, with the drills aimed at improving readiness and coordination in the event of a Chinese attack.
Beijing Continues Claim Over Taiwan
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it seeks eventual unification with the island.
Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to achieve that objective and continues to maintain military pressure through exercises and patrols around Taiwan.
The Taiwanese government rejects China’s sovereignty claims and maintains that the island’s future should be determined by its people.
Strategic Waterway Remains a Focus of Regional Security
The Taiwan Strait remains a focal point of regional security concerns.
The United States Navy periodically sends warships through the strait, as do some allied countries, in operations intended to demonstrate that the waterway remains open to international navigation.
Those transits have frequently drawn criticism from Beijing, which views such actions as interference in regional affairs.
Fujian Represents Major Upgrade for Chinese Navy
The Fujian was formally commissioned into service in November 2025 and is regarded as the most advanced aircraft carrier operated by China.
According to the U.S. Naval Institute, the vessel is the world’s largest conventionally powered aircraft carrier and represents a significant technological step beyond China’s earlier carriers, the Shandong and the Liaoning.
The ship is the newest addition to China’s growing carrier fleet and forms part of Beijing’s broader effort to expand its naval capabilities and project military power farther from its coastline.
The carrier’s latest transit comes as military activity around Taiwan remains elevated and both sides continue to strengthen their defense preparations amid persistent cross-strait tensions.
Tags: China, Taiwan, Fujian Aircraft Carrier, Taiwan Strait, Chinese Navy, People’s Liberation Army, Cross-Strait Relations, Military Exercises, Asia Security, Beijing, Taiwan Defense Ministry, Naval Power
