Lu Li-shih, a former instructor at the Taiwan Naval Academy in Kaohsiung, said similar language had been used in notices issued during previous tests.
“The text structure of the navigation warning is the same as the two navigation warnings issued in May, both of which implemented traffic controls at the exit of deepwater channels for large ships,” Lu said.
A notice issued by the Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration also said military activities would be taking place in specific parts of the East China Sea between Wednesday and Friday.
It did not say explicitly that the Fujian would be involved, but its first sea trial took place in the East China Sea, close to the shipyard in Shanghai where it was built, and the second reportedly took place in the Yellow Sea.
01:39
China says Fujian carrier is world’s largest conventionally powered warship
China says Fujian carrier is world’s largest conventionally powered warship
Details of the second trial, which started on May 23 and lasted 20 days, have not been officially released but media reports said satellite information suggested it had included extensive tests on the carrier’s propulsion systems and its ability to make sharp turns.
“We can see that the time interval between each test and the next test is very short, which proves that each test went smoothly,” Lu said.
Lu said testing of the catapult system was unlikely to happen this time, but the latest trial may involve touch-and-go manoeuvres – where planes briefly land on the carrier deck then take off again without stopping – something the Chinese navy has previously practised.
The trial might also incorporate testing of the carrier’s assisted landing system, Lu added.
02:17
China airs footage of Fujian aircraft carrier featuring advanced catapult launch system
China airs footage of Fujian aircraft carrier featuring advanced catapult launch system
Fu Qianshao, a retired PLA Air Force equipment specialist, said that if a third trial did turn out to have been held so quickly after the first two, that would suggest the carrier’s control and electrical systems had been successfully tested.
He said the next phase may focus on “aircraft adaptation” and did not rule out the possibility that new carrier-based aircraft – including a modified version of the J-15 fighter and helicopters – would take part in the trial to test their integration with the carrier.
Previous Chinese media reports suggested that besides J-15s, it may also carry J-35 stealth fighters and KJ-600 fixed-wing early warning aircraft.