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

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Strategic Military Cooperation in the Gulf of Oman

Warships from Iran, China, and Russia have commenced their annual joint naval exercises, “Security Belt-2025,” in the Gulf of Oman near Iran’s strategic port of Chabahar. This marks the fifth such collaboration since 2019, reinforcing military ties among these nations as global power dynamics evolve.

A Response to US Influence

Analysts view these drills as a direct challenge to US influence and the Western-led global order. This year, their significance is heightened as former US President Donald Trump redefines transatlantic relations, prioritizing engagement with Russia while pressuring Asian allies to contribute more to their defense.

When asked about the drills, Trump dismissed concerns, stating, “We’re stronger than all of them. We have more power than all of them.” However, experts warn that these growing military partnerships could pose an increased challenge to the US and its allies across multiple regions.

Russia’s Strengthening Ties with North Korea

Adding to concerns, Russia has significantly bolstered its military cooperation with North Korea over the past year. A mutual defense agreement was signed, and Pyongyang has reportedly sent troops to support Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. These developments highlight an emerging bloc of US adversaries working in coordination.

Rising Tensions Between the US and Iran

Meanwhile, US-Iran tensions remain high. Since Trump’s return to office, he has reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran, aiming to curb its oil exports and prevent nuclear weapon development. Iran has condemned these measures as “bullying” tactics, further straining relations.

The Strategic Importance of the Gulf of Oman

The Gulf of Oman serves as a crucial gateway linking the Indian Ocean to the Strait of Hormuz, through which over 25% of the world’s seaborne oil trade flows. The US maintains a significant naval presence in the region via its Fifth Fleet, stationed in Bahrain, underscoring the area’s strategic importance.

Details of the Joint Military Drills

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that 15 combat ships, support vessels, and gunboats, along with helicopters, are participating in the exercises. Among them are:

• Russia: The Rezky and Hero Aldar Tsydenzhapov corvettes, and the Pechenega tanker from the Pacific Fleet.
• China: The Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and the supply ship Gaoyouhu from a nearby naval escort task force.
• Iran: A stealth missile corvette and a patrol ship.

Objectives and Tactical Operations

According to China’s Defense Ministry, the exercises aim to enhance military trust and strengthen practical cooperation between the three nations. Key activities include:

• Simulated strikes on maritime targets
• Visit, board, search, and seizure operations
• Search and rescue drills

These maneuvers reflect a growing military alignment among Iran, China, and Russia, signaling a broader shift in global strategic alliances. As these nations deepen their defense cooperation, the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, challenging traditional Western alliances.

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