BEIJING, May 17 — “The sea trial of aircraft carrier Fujian is a normal arrangement during its building process and does not target any specific objective, region, or country,” said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, on Friday when answering questions from the media.

Recently, China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, completed its maiden sea trial.

Some media have commented that this is a crucial step in China’s extensive naval buildup and that by choosing to complete the maiden voyage during the US-Philippines Balikatan 2024 joint military exercise, China is sending a signal to all parties in the South China Sea, indicating its readiness for combat.

In response to such comments, the spokesperson made the above statement, adding that China’s independent development and building of aircraft carriers are necessary for protecting its national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

According to the spokesperson, China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, had successfully completed its maiden sea trial with expected results, carrying out a series of tests on its propulsion and electrical systems and other equipment.

Next, follow-up tests will be conducted according to the established plan.

“China remains steadfast in pursuing the path of peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature,” stressed the spokesperson in the end.