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China´s aircraft carrier succeeds in maiden sea trials
China says the maiden sea trial of the country´s refitted aircraft carrier has attained its objectives. National Defense Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun said at a press briefing on Wednesday that the carrier has returned to the shipyard, and all systems were operating as normal.
China´s first aircraft carrier completes sea trial
In waters off Liaoning Province in northeastern China, where the country´s first aircraft carrier concluded its four-day sea trial Sunday morning. It has sailed back to Dalian port where more refitting efforts will be carried out.
China´s refitted aircraft carrier platform sets sail for first sea trial
China´s refitted aircraft carrier left its shipyard at Dalian Port in northeast Liaoning Province on Wednesday morning to start its first sea trial.
*Undated photo shows navy officials, sailors on board "Varyag"
This undated photo shows navy officials and sailors are on board the imported aircraft carrier, known as the Varyag. The carrier Varyag, which was previously owned by the former Soviet Union, is being refitted by China after being purchased from Ukraine.
Speculation on Aircraft Carrier Varyag
Military Expert Tell You More
Why does it take so long time for China to forge an aircraft carrier?
"Though many people think building aircraft carriers and the common large oil tankers are quite comparable, they differ greatly in building technology. The aircraft carriers are forged according to military standards. The steel used is alloyed steel, distinguished from that in building common oil tankers..."
--by Yin Zhuo, military expert
Will China change its offensive strategy after owning aircraft carrier?
"An aircraft carrier is just equipment. It can carry out defensive strategy, and a country can have an attack strategy without an aircraft-carrier. A country´s political factors decide its strategy..."
--by Yin Zhuo, military expert
Expert: China has long way to develop navy
"China has a long way to go to developing a navy. In fact, it is impossible to purchase any carrier-related equipment from western countries, let alone asking for help to build it..."
--by Yin Zhuo, military expert
Foreign Media Observation
British news agency Reuters comments
"Such a launch would be a first, exploratory step towards an operational carrier fleet...it will probably take the Chinese navy years to possess a credible carrier operation in Asia´s seas, which have largely been the domain of the US navy since World War Two."
Tokyo-based online magazine "Diplomat" comments
"The move indicates rapid improvement in Chinese naval aviation, and suggests China´s determination to extend its regional blue water presence."
US-based Associated Press comments
The latest move "has come to symbolize China´s ambitions for a military with global reach...though the addition of one carrier to China´s rapidly expanding navy isn´t expected to threaten the US military´s dominance."
Aircraft carriers in the world
