China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian, has been observed sailing toward the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. The vessel, which is yet to be commissioned, embarked on what the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) described as a “scientific research, test and training mission” in this vital maritime region. This announcement came on September 11, 2025, confirming the carrier’s departure from Shanghai, where it was constructed and launched.
The CNS Fujian, weighing approximately 80,000 tons, is claimed to be the largest naval vessel ever built by an Asian nation. It features advanced electromagnetic catapults, allowing it to launch larger aircraft, a significant upgrade over its predecessors, the CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong, which utilize ski-jump flight decks. This advancement positions the Fujian as a key player in China’s naval capabilities.
Significance of the Mission
The South China Sea is one of the world’s most critical waterways for maritime trade and a region of heightened territorial disputes involving several neighboring countries. The Chinese navy operates the largest fleet globally, with over 370 operational vessels, including two aircraft carriers. In June, the CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong conducted a dual operation in the Western Pacific, underscoring China’s growing naval presence.
Prior to this latest mission, the CNS Fujian successfully completed eight sea trials since its launch in June 2022. The Pentagon has assessed that the carrier is expected to become operational in the first half of 2025. This latest voyage marks a significant step in the carrier’s development, as it continues to undergo rigorous testing.
An image captured by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellites on the day of its departure shows the Fujian accompanied by two other naval vessels, approximately 144 miles north of Taiwan and 124 miles northwest of the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands, known in China as the Diaoyu Islands. The Japanese Defense Ministry confirmed the presence of the Chinese vessels, marking the first sighting of the Fujian by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Official Responses and Future Implications
Senior Captain Leng Guowei, spokesperson for the PLAN, stated that the mission is a routine part of the carrier’s construction process, emphasizing that it involves further sea trials. While the specific duration of the Fujian’s stay in the South China Sea remains unclear, its presence adds to the ongoing maritime tensions in the region, particularly with respect to territorial claims involving China, Taiwan, and other regional nations such as the Philippines.
The Pentagon highlighted the Fujian’s capabilities, noting that its design enables it to support a greater number of aircraft and more efficient flight operations. As the carrier continues to evolve, its potential operational status could significantly alter the balance of naval power in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies has projected that the Fujian will enter service with the PLAN in 2025. As China continues to expand its naval fleet, the global community watches closely for updates on the commissioning date and any plans for additional aircraft carriers.
As developments unfold, the implications of the CNS Fujian and its operational capabilities will undoubtedly shape the future of naval strategy in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.