China's 'Fujian' Aircraft Carrier Sent to South China Sea Amid Tensions

Beijing, September 16 (PTI) - Amid heightened maritime tensions with the Philippines, China has dispatched its latest aircraft carrier, 'Fujian,' into the disputed South China Sea. This move comes following a collision incident involving naval vessels from both nations over territorial claims.

The Fujian, China’s third aircraft carrier, is currently not fully operational. However, it has entered the South China Sea for testing and training purposes, with its construction proceeding as planned, according to the Chinese Defence Ministry.

China's deployment of its most advanced aircraft carrier follows accusations by the China Coast Guard (CCG) that a Philippine government vessel intentionally collided with a Chinese ship near the contested Scarborough Shoal, referred to as Huangyan Dao by China. The CCG has already stationed some of its largest vessels in the area to reinforce China's claims.

China asserts sovereignty over the majority of the South China Sea, with opposing claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Gan Yu, a spokesperson for the CCG, claimed that over ten Philippine vessels "illegally" intruded into China's waters near Huangyan Dao. In response, the CCG took control measures according to the law, which included warnings, navigation restrictions, and water cannon use against the Philippine vessels.

At approximately 10 a.m., a Philippine vessel allegedly ignored multiple warnings and dangerously rammed into a CCG ship, Gan noted. He accused the Philippines of intentional provocation, asserting that they bear full responsibility for the incident, as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

The Philippines, with backing from the US, is pressing its claims over the South China Sea, referencing a 2016 ruling by a UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) tribunal that supported its rights. China, having boycotted the tribunal, rejected the ruling.

With growing maritime confrontations, the Chinese Defence Ministry announced the Fujian's deployment, emphasizing its purpose for testing and training missions.

The Fujian, equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) similar to the American USS Gerald R. Ford, was launched in 2024 and has since completed several sea trials. China currently operates two other aircraft carriers: the Liaoning, a Soviet-era refit commissioned in 2012, and the Shandong, an indigenous vessel commissioned in 2019.

Chinese Defence spokesperson Jiang Bin stated that Fujian will play a critical role in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Recently, the Fujian made headlines as it passed through the Taiwan Strait on September 12.

Jiang noted that its presence in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea was part of routine scientific tests and training missions aligned with international law and practice, and not directed at any specific nation or target.

"China is dedicated to peaceful development and upholds a defensive policy. Our aircraft carrier development, including the Fujian, is driven by national security requirements and equipment technological advancement," Jiang asserted.

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