BEIJING (Reuters) – The Fujian, China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, recently sailed through the Taiwan Strait and into the South China Sea as part of sea trials, the Chinese navy said on Friday, two extremely sensitive waterways.

The carrier, first unveiled in 2022, began sea trials last year and has yet to formally enter service.

“Our country’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently transited the Taiwan Strait en route to relevant waters in the South China Sea to conduct scientific research trials and training missions,” China’s navy said.

“This cross-regional trial and training exercise for the Fujian is a routine arrangement in the carrier’s construction process and is not directed at any specific target,” it added.

Japan’s defence ministry said late on Thursday

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