China's Fujian aircraft carrier sails through Taiwan Strait for the first time

On September 12, 2025, in China, the naval forces announced the passage of their newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, through the Taiwan Strait, marking its first transit through this strategically significant waterway. The Taiwan Strait acts as a buffer separating China from Taiwan, which operates as a self-governing territory that Beijing claims sovereignty over. While China emphasized that its navy's actions were routine and not aimed at anyone, the sailing coincided with increasing geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly in relation to support for Taiwan from countries like the United States. In the context of these developments, the Fujian was undergoing sea trials ahead of its formal commissioning. The vessel was reported to be en route to the South China Sea, where it is scheduled to engage in training exercises and scientific research, as per statements released via the navy's social media. An associated expert quoted in state media expressed that passing through the Taiwan Strait was a rational choice to reach its destination efficiently. The sailing of the carrier alongside two guided-missile destroyers was reportedly observed approximately 200 kilometers from the contested Senkaku (Diaoyu) islands, areas claimed by both China and Japan. The U.S. Navy regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations in these waters, as do its allies, signaling to Beijing that any aggressive move towards Taiwan will face scrutiny. Given the historical backdrop of the Chinese Civil War, which saw the Nationalists retreat to Taiwan in 1949, military maneuvers in this region resonate with heightened urgency and represent an ongoing narrative of political and military assertions from both China and Taiwan. Recently, China has heightened its military readiness following passages by warships from Canada and Australia through the strait, which were perceived as provocative actions by the Chinese military. The developments surrounding the Fujian’s passage reflect the complexities of international relations in East Asia, with military movements signaling warnings and responses to perceived threats. As countries navigate their diplomatic and strategic interests, the situation in the Taiwan Strait remains a focal point of potential confrontation, underlining the constant fragility of peace in the region.