China’s aircraft carriers send message in the open Pacific for the first time – and bigger and more powerful ships are coming

China is rapidly expanding its naval power, sending aircraft carriers farther from home than ever before. Its message is clear: Beijing intends to be a dominant maritime force in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Since May, China has deployed three of its aircraft carriers in exercises across the region. The Shandong, Liaoning, and the newly launched Fujian have all conducted drills in contested waters. The operations stretched from the South China Sea to the western Pacific Ocean.

Analysts say the timing and location are not accidental.

“This is a clear signal to the region, especially the U.S. and Taiwan,” said Ray Powell, director of Stanford’s SeaLight maritime project. “Beijing is demonstrating a capability for sustained carrier operations beyond its home waters.”

The drills mark a milestone. For the first time, two Chinese carrier strike groups operated together in the open Pacific. Japan confirmed this activity near its southern island of Miyako, a key route for potential U.S. forces supporting Taiwan.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) also tested its newest technology. The Fujian successfully launched and recovered aircraft at sea using its electromagnetic catapult system. Only one other ship—the USS Gerald R. Ford—has that system.

China’s ability to carry out such drills worries its neighbors.

Taiwanese officials reported that the PLAN deployed about 70 warships and coast guard vessels across the "first island chain" in May. That area spans from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines to Indonesia.

“The projection of power is beyond China’s defensive needs,” a Taiwanese security official told CNN. “It suggests Beijing sees the first island chain as internal waters.”

Carl Schuster, a former U.S. Navy captain, said China’s intentions go further. “Although Beijing calls these activities routine, the strategic message is loud and clear.”

Indeed, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed those concerns at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. “Any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion is unacceptable,” he said. “Beijing is preparing to use military power to shift the Indo-Pacific balance.”

Beyond the first island chain, Chinese carriers are venturing into areas historically dominated by U.S. forces. Japan recently confirmed PLAN presence east of Iwo Jima and near Minamitorishima, its easternmost island. These areas fall outside the so-called second island chain, which includes U.S. territories like Guam and Saipan.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said China aims to improve carrier operations in distant waters. This would match U.S. Navy capabilities, long seen as the gold standard.

PLAN carrier strike groups now mirror U.S. formations. They include advanced warships like the Type 055 destroyer, considered among the world’s most powerful. These ships, along with the new Type 052DM, support the fleet’s ability to defend carriers and project power.

The PLAN’s newest carrier, Fujian, is especially notable. At 80,000 tons, it is the world’s largest non-U.S. warship. It can carry about 50 aircraft—more than previous Chinese carriers.

During recent sea trials, the Fujian conducted take-offs and landings using electromagnetic launch. This allows heavier aircraft loads and longer strike ranges. It also signals a leap forward in Chinese naval aviation.

The Fujian will carry the J-35 stealth fighter, which can’t operate from China’s older ski-ramp carriers.

China is also developing the Type 004 carrier. Expected to be nuclear-powered and EMALS-equipped, it would rival the most advanced U.S. vessels. Nuclear propulsion extends range and allows carriers to remain at sea much longer.

According to Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe, Beijing’s global business and cultural interests justify this expansion. He told state media the PLAN could soon conduct operations in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Still, analysts caution against overstating China’s progress. “China’s carrier force is still developmental,” Powell said. “But it’s closing the gap.”

Schuster agrees. “This is about reach and readiness. Beijing wants to show it can operate globally if needed.”

With more ships, advanced technology, and longer range, the PLAN is quickly changing the Indo-Pacific naval landscape. While the U.S. remains ahead, China is no longer far behind.

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