China's most advanced aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian , which has yet to be commissioned, was spotted on Thursday sailing toward the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy confirmed on Friday that the Fujian had departed for a "scientific research, test and training mission" in the South China Sea , which is among the world's most important water bodies for maritime trade and where Beijing contests disputed territories with about half a dozen neighboring claimants.

Newsweek has also reached out to China 's Foreign Ministry for comment via email.

Why It Matters

China operates the world's largest navy by hull count, with over 370 operational ships and submarines, including two aircraft carriers , the CNS Liaoning and the CNS Shando

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