The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning recently navigated through the Taiwan Strait on April 20. This event marks the first crossing of this strategic waterway by a Chinese aircraft carrier since late 2025.
Chinese Military Activities and Taiwan’s Response
According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, the Liaoning’s passage was closely monitored. The ministry stated that Taiwan’s armed forces maintained “close and continuous surveillance” throughout the transit. It also released a black-and-white image depicting the carrier, highlighting the presence of various fighter jets and helicopters on its deck.
This development follows a consistent pattern of Chinese military presence around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. Taipei perceives this as part of an ongoing pressure campaign against its democratically elected government. Chinese military activity in the region is reported almost daily.
Recent History of Chinese Aircraft Carriers
The last reported transit of a Chinese aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait occurred in mid-December, when the Fujian, China’s most advanced carrier, made its passage. In contrast, the Liaoning is known as the oldest vessel among China’s three operation aircraft carriers.
- Liaoning: Oldest operating carrier of China’s fleet.
- Last Chinese carrier transit in the Strait: Mid-December 2022.
- Fujian: China’s newest and advanced carrier.
Regional Tensions and International Waters
China asserts its sovereignty over the Taiwan Strait, a claim disputed by both Taipei and Washington, which maintain that the strait is considered international waters. The U.S. Navy routinely sends vessels through the strait every few months. Additionally, U.S. allies occasionally conduct similar operations to affirm the international status of these waters.
On April 17, in a related incident, China monitored a transit of a Japanese warship through the strait, describing this action as a “deliberate provocation.” The ongoing military activities and assertive claims in the region highlight the tensions between China, Taiwan, and international stakeholders.
