An aerial drone photo taken on May 7, 2024 shows China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, during its maiden sea trials. China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, completed maiden sea trials on Wednesday.(Photo: Xinhua)

 When asked to comment about reports that the aircraft carrier Fujian recently conducted sea trials and transited the Taiwan Straits to carry out activities in the South China Sea, and about whether the move indicates that the Fujian’s commissioning is imminent, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said on Tuesday that China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently passed through the Taiwan Straits to conduct test and training tasks in relevant waters of the South China Sea. This is a normal arrangement during the construction of the aircraft carrier, which aligns with relevant international law and international practices and is not targeted at any specific country or objective.

China adheres to the path of peaceful development and follows a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, Jiang said. “We have always advanced the construction of aircraft carriers in accordance with the needs of national security and the development of equipment technology. As a crucial strategic asset, the aircraft carrier Fujian will undoubtedly play its due role in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests,” the spokesperson said.

Global Times