Fujian aircraft carrier Photo:CFP
A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson called for a calm mindset over information suggesting that the
Fujian, China's first 80,000 ton-class electromagnetic catapults-equipped aircraft carrier, has recently embarked on its seventh sea trial, during which analysts expect tests on aircraft takeoff and landing.
Spokesperson Wu Qian said at a regular press conference on Thursday that there is currently no information to release, but the
Fujian's sea trial are a normal arrangement during its construction.
"Let's all keep a calm mindset," Wu said.
The
Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier, is China's first domestically made carrier that uses catapults. With a full-load displacement of more than 80,000 tons, the carrier is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices, the Xinhua News Agency reported when the aircraft carrier was launched in Shanghai on June 17, 2022.
Fujian set out for maiden sea trials on May 1, 2024, and has completed several such voyages since.
On March 17, the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration released an announcement of traffic restrictions for a large vessel in the Yangtze River estuary on March 18. While the announcement did not mention the traffic restrictions are related to the aircraft carrier
Fujian, the wording is similar to that used each time the carrier sets out and returns from sea trials. This announcement led some observers to believe that the
Fujian has set out for its seventh sea trial, with the Chinese Defense Ministry confirming that the carrier had completed its fifth sea trial in December 2024 and announced further tests would follow as construction advances.
Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Thursday that if the
Fujian has embarked on its seventh sea trial, it means that the carrier is edging closer to commissioning.
By comparison, it took China's first aircraft carrier, the
Liaoning, 10 sea trials before commissioning, and the second aircraft carrier, the
Shandong, carried out nine sea trials, according to official media reports.
If everything goes smoothly, the aircraft carrier
Fujian could enter service soon, but as the
Fujian is China's first aircraft carrier equipped with advanced electromagnetic catapults, many new systems need to be tested, so it would also make sense if it needs more time, Fu said.
