Overview
- China’s navy said the Type 003 Fujian crossed the Taiwan Strait to conduct scientific research, tests and training in the South China Sea as part of its construction process.
- Japan’s Joint Staff Office reported its first sighting of the carrier in the East China Sea, escorted by destroyers Hangzhou and Jinan, and released images showing a clean flight deck.
- European Space Agency Sentinel‑2 satellite imagery reviewed by outlets showed the Fujian sailing south with two escorts before the transit.
- The Fujian remains uncommissioned after multiple sea trials since May 2024, and China has not announced a commissioning date or location, though analysts say the latest voyage points to advanced testing.
- As China’s first carrier with electromagnetic catapults, Fujian is expected to field a larger fixed‑wing air wing than Liaoning and Shandong, with reported plans for J‑35, J‑15T/DT and KJ‑600 aircraft.