• China's newest carrier, the Fujian, has passed through the Taiwan Strait.
• The transit aims to conduct scientific research and training missions in the South China Sea.
• This move represents a significant step in China's military capabilities.
• The Fujian is expected to enter service soon, enhancing China's naval presence.
• Taiwan is monitoring the situation closely amid heightened military activity from China.

China's most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has recently transited the Taiwan Strait as part of scientific research and training missions in the South China Sea, the Chinese navy reported. The carrier, which began sea trials last year and has not yet formally entered service, was said to be performing routine training exercises, according to a statement from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) on September 12. This transit is part of what officials describe as a standard phase in the carrier's construction process, not aimed at any specific targets, according to Reuters and Le Monde.

The Fujian is observed to be heading toward South China Sea waters after passing through the Taiwan Strait, where it was accompanied by two missile destroyers, as noted by Japan's defense ministry. Analysts interpret this maneuver as an effort to demonstrate China's growing military prowess, with observers like Collin Koh suggesting that it sends a strong signal to potential adversaries regarding China's military ambitions. This perspective is emphasized in reports from both Reuters and TRT Global.

Reports also indicate that Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense is actively monitoring the situation, employing joint intelligence efforts to analyze Chinese naval movements. Taiwan has firmly stated that only its people can decide the future, rejecting Beijing's sovereignty claims over the island. The tension surrounding these military maneuvers is underscored by a series of military exercises conducted by U.S. Marines and Japanese forces in the region, which are coinciding with the Fujian's transit, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The carrier Fujian, which is reported to feature advanced technology including electromagnetic catapults, represents a significant development in China's naval capabilities. Compared to previous carriers like the Liaoning and Shandong, the Fujian is expected to have superior operational capabilities, including the launch of a broader array of aircraft. This advancement is critical for China's ambitions to maintain a competitive edge in naval warfare, as highlighted by military experts and analysts South China Morning Post and Le Monde.