CHINA MAKES OWN AIRCRAFT CARRIER
Building of the 70,000tn vessel started in November 2013
China on Wednesday launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier in the northeastern port city of Dalian against the backdrop of maritime disputes in the South China Sea and unease in New Delhi over Beijing’s increasing naval prowess.
vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission that is headed by President Xi Jinping, joined the launch ceremony.
Fan’s presence, state media said, indicated “the significance Chinese leaders attach to the colossal ship because only the most important equipment for the PLA would have top-level officers at the public debut ceremony”. Construction of the new carrier began in November 2013 and experts believe it is likely to enter service around 2020, after several years of sea trials and testing of weapons and other systems. “The main body of the carrier has been completed, with equipment of major systems including propulsion and electricity installed,” state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
“In the next phase, the carrier will start the outfitting process,” state-controlled China Daily quoted a military statement as saying. “During the outfitting stage, engineers and workers will complete the installation of the ship’s power plant, engines, interior equipment and systems as well as weapons.”
Ma Xiaoguang, a Chinese mainland spokesperson with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said: “(The move) will help to strengthen our capability to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as major and core interests.”