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China’s Aircraft Carrier Fujian in the Taiwan Strait

13 Sep 2025 GS 2 International Relations
China’s Aircraft Carrier Fujian in the Taiwan Strait Click to view full image

Background

  • Fujian (Type 003): China’s third and largest aircraft carrier, conventionally powered.

  • Launched in 2022, undergoing sea trials before commissioning.

  • Features electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS) → comparable to US carriers, enhancing aircraft launch efficiency.

Recent Development

  • Fujian sailed through Taiwan Strait for the first time, heading toward South China Sea for training & scientific experiments.

  • China claims it was the “most reasonable route,” not directed at anyone.

  • Accompanied by two guided-missile destroyers.

  • Japan’s Self-Defense Forces spotted the carrier near the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.

                     

Regional & Global Reactions

  • Taiwan Strait:

    • Highly sensitive, separates China from Taiwan.

    • U.S. & allies regularly conduct “freedom of navigation” transits here.

  • U.S. & Allies:

    • U.S. Navy conducts regular passages to counter Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

    • Recently, Canadian frigate Quebec & Australian destroyer Brisbane passed through; China accused them of provocation.

  • Japan:

    • Monitored Fujian near disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, reflecting rising East China Sea tensions.


Taiwan Strait 

Geography

  • Location: Separates Taiwan Island from Fujian Province (China).

  • Part of: South China Sea (to the south), connects to the East China Sea (to the north).

  • Length / Width: ~180 km wide; narrowest point ~130 km.

  • Depth: Mostly <150 m (continental shelf).

  • Islands:

    • PRC-controlled: Xiamen, Gulangyu, Pingtan (Haitan).

    • ROC-controlled: Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu (Pescadores).

Names

  • Former: Formosa Strait, Strait of Fokien/Fujian, Black Ditch (Hokkien/Hakka).

Boundaries 

  • North: Line from Fujian coast → Haitan Island → Fugui Cape (Taiwan).

  • East: Western coast of Taiwan down to Eluan Cape (southern tip).

  • South: Eluan Cape → Nanao Island → Hanjiang River mouth (China).

  • West: Fujian coast from Hanjiang River → north to Haitan.

Eluan Cape (or Eluanbi) is the southernmost point of the main island of Taiwan

The "Median Line" (Davis Line, 1955)

  • Proposed by U.S. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. (1955).

  • Tacit understanding (not legally recognized).

  • Coordinates: ~27°N, 122°E (north) → 23°N, 118°E (south).

  • Taiwan recognizes it; China rejects it.

  • Since 2019, PLA aircraft regularly cross it, nullifying old status quo.

Geopolitical Significance

  • Flashpoint: Central to China–Taiwan conflict; PRC considers Taiwan part of its territory.

  • US role: U.S. Navy + allies conduct Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) through strait.

  • Military Escalation: Frequent Chinese naval & air drills, especially post-2019.

  • Strategic Location: Controls access between East & South China Seas; vital for Indo-Pacific shipping.



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