China’s Fujian Aircraft Carrier Transits Taiwan Strait

Taiwanese officials monitored the ship using joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets, according to a brief statement released by the ministry. While the government provided a grainy, black-and-white aerial photograph of the vessel, the deck appeared devoid of aircraft during the passage. This transit follows a similar mission by the older Liaoning carrier in April.

As China’s third and most modern carrier, the Fujian represents a significant shift in regional naval capabilities. Unlike the smaller Liaoning and Shandong, which utilize ski-jump ramps, the Fujian features a flat flight deck equipped with electromagnetic catapults. This technology allows the ship to launch heavier, more heavily armed jet fighters, effectively expanding China’s power projection. Beijing maintains sovereignty over the strait, a critical global shipping artery, while Taipei and Washington argue the passage constitutes international waters.