New Chinese Carrier Fujian Sails Through Taiwan Strait
The recent transit of China's newest aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian, through the Taiwan Strait underscores Beijing's growing naval capabilities and escalates tensions in the region. This marks the Fujian's first passage since entering service in November 2025, following extensive testing in the South China Sea. While Chinese analysts suggest the carrier may head for maintenance or further training, Taiwan perceives such movements as part of China's ongoing pressure campaign. With advanced features like electromagnetic catapults, the Fujian narrows the technological gap with U.S. carriers, though it remains smaller and less experienced compared to its American counterparts. The implications of these developments could heighten military readiness and strategic posturing in the area.
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The CNS Fujian departed from Yulin Naval Base and was confirmed by Taiwan's Defense Ministry to have traversed the Taiwan Strait on December 16, 2025.
China's military experts predict the Fujian may be on its way to a shipyard in Shanghai for maintenance or could engage in further training exercises.
The Fujian is China's third aircraft carrier and features significant advancements over the older Liaoning and Shandong, including a flat flight deck and electromagnetic catapults.
While the U.S. Navy operates 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, the Fujian's conventional power requires periodic refueling, limiting its operational range.
The Taiwan Strait is viewed by Taiwan and the U.S. as international waters, and the U.S. has been conducting regular naval operations in the area to support freedom of navigation.
The Fujian's displacement is approximately 80,000 tons, compared to the U.S. Ford-class carriers, which weigh around 100,000 tons, highlighting the differences in their capabilities.
The recent deployments of China's carriers, including the Liaoning and Shandong, involved extensive operations in June 2025, indicating a more aggressive naval posture by Beijing.