BEIJING, Sept. 16 -- China consistently advance aircraft carrier development according to national security needs and equipment technology development requirements, said Senior Colonel Jang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, on Tuesday.
It is reported that China's aircraft carrier PLANS Fujian has recently conducted sea trials and passed through the Taiwan Strait to carry out activities in the South China Sea.
When asked to comment on that, the Chinese defense spokesperson said that China's third aircraft carrier, the PLANS Fujian (Hull 18), passed through the Taiwan Strait to conduct experimental training missions in relevant waters of the South China Sea. This is a normal arrangement in the process of aircraft carrier construction, in line with relevant international law and international practice, and is not targeted at any specific country or objective.
The spokesperson pointed out that China adheres to the path of peaceful development and pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. China consistently advance aircraft carrier development according to national security needs and equipment technology development requirements. The PLANS Fujian, as a crucial asset of a major nation, will inevitably fulfill its due role in safeguarding China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests.