On 23 April, the People’s Liberation Army Navy conducted a propulsion test of their latest and most modern Type 003 aircraft carrier, the Fujian [source]. By every indication, the test went well and was ultimately successful. We thus utilized a series of geospatial intelligence tools to confirm the presence of the Fujian at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai. The Fujian will pose a serious threat to Taiwan’s air defence capabilities and enhance the PLAN’s force projection capabilities into the South China Sea.

Key Judgement-1: It is highly likely that the Fujian will enhance the PLAN’s force projection capabilities in the next 12 months.

Key Judgment-2: It is likely that the Fujian will allow the PLAN to increasingly threaten Taiwan’s air defence capabilities in the next 12 months.

Key Judgement-3: It is likely that the Fujian will be deployed in contested waters in the South China Sea in the next 12 months.