PLA carrier Fujian (CV-18) transits Taiwan Strait for second time as Taipei monitors surge in PLA activity

China's PLA Navy carrier Fujian (CV-18) transited the Taiwan Strait this week, a passage Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said was its second through the waterway. Taipei monitored the ship closely, reported an empty flight deck and no observed aircraft, amid a broader surge in PLA air and naval activity.

Discovered 2025-12-17T04:11:05.836505-08:00 | 2025-12-17T04:11:05.836505-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The transit demonstrates operational use of Beijing's newest carrier after its recent commissioning and follow-on EMALS flight trials, showing progress from trials to at-sea deployments.
  • Taipei recorded an empty flight deck and observed the passage while reporting intensified PLA sorties and surface activity; this follows reporting of Fujian's first live-force sea training and EM catapult operations, underscoring higher operational tempo near Taiwan.
  • The transit sits alongside wider carrier expansion efforts, including imagery suggesting construction of a [nuclear-powered carrier], signaling a sustained increase in Beijing's carrier force structure and regional maritime presence. (https://hype.aero/?story=79d9b201-3850-4260-9a2a-0999b4bcd763)

Reported By

news.ssbcrack.com interestingengineering.com South China Morning Post defence-blog.com Stars and Stripes newsable.asianetnews.com
Sources Tracked
9
First Seen
2025-12-17T04:11:05.836505-08:00
Latest Update
2025-12-22T12:46:09.494745-08:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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