• Fujian specs show PLA aiming for ‘far-sea operations’ that would threaten Taiwan’s naval defence, spokesman says as ministry releases latest report
  • Rapid expansion of airbases along eastern mainland coast means PLA warplanes could reach Taipei within minutes, observer warns

The Fujian is much larger than the PLA’s two aircraft carriers currently in operation and the first to be equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. 

The People’s Liberation Army’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, would pose a “substantial threat” to Taiwan in the event of a cross-strait conflict, the island’s defence ministry has warned.

Releasing its latest biennial report on Tuesday, the ministry also sounded a warning over the PLA’s rapid expansion of its coastal airbases facing Taiwan, including three from where warplanes could fly to Taipei within minutes.