The Fujian, China’s latest and most sophisticated aircraft carrier, crossed the Taiwan Strait this week. The carrier, along with the supporting fleet, was reported to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense which, Fujian crossed during what China claims to be a normal exercise. Taiwanese sources confirmed to the media that Fujian crossed a boundary of the strait’s central line which China claims not to recognize. However, this act is assumed to signal calm Chinese assertions which stand strong.
Fujian’s first major transit
It was expected that the year 2022 would end with the aircraft carrier fully functional, which is incredibly relaxing looking into the future. It aligns with the South China Sea and adjoining areas military exercises of the USA, Japan, and the Philippines. Enhancing interoperability and deterrence during the exercises have been seen as provocative actions by Beijing.
According to Newsweek, the movement of the country Fujian was probably a show of China’s capability to operate sophisticated naval vessels in delicate areas in response to the military drills.
Analysts in the military claim that the drift aims to test the carrier’s systems, project determination to Taiwan and its allies, and further strengthen China’s assertion that the strait is part of its territorial waters.
Regional reactions
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense issued a statement condemning the transit, labelling it as a ‘deliberate provocation’ and a threat to regional stability. Along with this, Taiwan’s forces also tracked the movement of the carrier and deployed surveillance units to safeguard the nation from possible threats.
Similar with other countries, the US also reacted, and as such, the Pentagon has indicated that navigating in the Taiwan Strait is of their concern. A spokesperson continued to say that:
“We operate where international law permits and we will continue to support our allies in the efforts to bring peace and stability in the area.”
Both Japan and the Philippines, who participated in the recent joint military exercises, shared concern for China’s continued assertiveness.
The presence of Taiwanese defense officials has captured the attention of the Japanese ministry of defense, who were already on alert because of the increase in Chinese naval activity along the already strategic territory.
Fujian’s capabilities
The achievement of Chinese naval modernization has hit a new peak with the construction of the Fujian. It has the capability to outperform the older Liaoning and Shandong ships by greater efficiency due to the use of electromagnetic catapults. The Fujian comes with upgrades with a larger flight deck, advanced radars, and catapults and much more.
In a trial phase, the endorsement of the battleship is a means of prediction for the next two years. The control of the upper West Pacific region and the Phillipines will be a dominion for China in these coming years. The predictive capability of China has extended to geostrategic forecasting with the completion of the Fujian battleship.
Strategic implications
The Taiwanese Strait is now just about the most militarized region in the world and after the successful transit of the Fujian battleship, there are bound to be determined and precise forecast expectations out in the western region.
In the trails of the Fujian, many defense experts will be even more cautious and redirect their focus to the region.
When it arrives to take the stage, the ship will indicate the start of a new focus in China’s naval strategy, with distinct repercussions for the country’s surrounding security and for the balance of worldsea control as well. As of now, the vessel’s journey shows the fast-developing conditions of the Indo-Pacific region and the increased attention to sea power in the evolution of world politics.