Sea trials of China’s advanced third aircraft carrier begin amid tensions in the South China Sea

Beijing. China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian, the most advanced domestic warship, began its first sea trials on Wednesday, as Beijing boosts its naval power amid rising tensions with the US in the disputed South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. State-run Xinhua According to the news agency report, the ship departed from the Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard on Wednesday morning for sea trials mainly to test the reliability and stability of the aircraft carrier’s propulsion and electrical systems. Since its launch in June 2022, the Fujian has completed its mooring trials, outfitting work and equipment adjustments. It meets the technical requirements for sea trials. Ahead of the tests, China has imposed maritime traffic control around the mouth of the Yangtze River where the Jiangnan Shipyard ship is located for “military activities.” The report said the traffic The control will last until May 9. According to previous official media reports, China plans to have five to six aircraft carriers by 2035 for strategic deployment in the disputed South China Sea, where Beijing wants to stake claim to much of the vast area. There is, the Taiwan Strait which separates the Chinese mainland and Taiwan and the Indian Ocean where Beijing is increasing its power projection.