China’s newest aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian, was recently spotted navigating toward the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. This advanced vessel, which has yet to be commissioned, was confirmed by the People’s Liberation Army Navy to be on a “scientific research, test and training mission” in a region critical for international maritime trade. The South China Sea is marked by overlapping territorial claims, intensifying tensions among several neighboring countries.
The CNS Fujian is noted for being the largest naval vessel ever constructed by an Asian nation, weighing approximately 80,000 tons. It is equipped with electromagnetic catapults for launching aircraft, a significant upgrade over China’s existing carriers, the CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong, which utilize ski-jump designs. This advancement positions the Fujian as a formidable asset in China’s naval capabilities, particularly in comparison to its predecessors.
Recent Developments and Observations
On September 11, 2025, the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellites captured imagery of the CNS Fujian sailing southward in the East China Sea. The carrier was accompanied by two destroyers, the CNS Hangzhou and CNS Jinan. According to open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson, the vessels were approximately 144 miles north of Taiwan. This marked the first detection of the Fujian by Japan’s Defense Ministry, which reported the sighting of the carrier and its escorts 124 miles northwest of Uotsuri, a key island in the disputed Senkaku Islands.
Senior Captain Leng Guowei, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army Navy, stated that the carrier’s mission is a routine part of its construction process and contributes to ongoing sea trials. The Fujian was seen departing from the port of Shanghai, where it was built and launched. The exact duration of its mission in the South China Sea remains unclear.
Strategic Implications
The 110-mile-wide Taiwan Strait serves as a critical waterway separating China from Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory. The strait has become a focal point for military operations, often witnessing the passage of U.S. and allied naval forces aiming to maintain regional stability. China’s increasing naval presence in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea heightens the potential for maritime confrontations, particularly with nations such as the Philippines that have conflicting territorial claims.
The CNS Fujian has undergone eight sea trials since its launch in June 2022, but the Pentagon has estimated that it is not expected to be operational until the first half of 2025. This projection underscores the significance of the ship, as it enhances China’s carrier capability with advanced technology that can support a wider range of aircraft operations.
The evolving situation in the region continues to capture international attention, with military analysts closely monitoring the implications of China’s growing naval prowess. As the CNS Fujian progresses through its testing and training phases, the global community awaits further announcements regarding its official commissioning and any potential expansions of China’s aircraft carrier fleet.
