BEIING: China said on Friday that its third and newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait to carry out “scientific research trials and training missions” in the South China Sea. Beijing has ploughed billions of dollars into modernizing its military in recent years, a trend that has unnerved some governments in East Asia despite China insisting its aims are peaceful. China has two carriers in operation – the Liaoning and Shandong – with the Fujian currently undergoing sea trials.

Chinese navy says the warship is on ‘routine mission’ as speculation builds that it could soon enter service.

Beijing said the ship sailed off Taiwan toward the South China Sea for testing ahead of future service, part of China's push to bolster its military presence in the sensitive…