BEIJING: China's first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, successfully completed a series of tests during a 37-day training mission in the disputed South China Sea and has returned to port, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
Diplomats watching the scene expect China to send it to the East China Sea and areas around the Diaoyu Islands, which are contested by China and Japan.
Aircraft, naval vessels and submarines also participated in the Liaoning's tests. The Chinese naval ship accompanying the carrier had a near collision with a US Navy ship for which both sides blamed the other. US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel called China's behaviour "irresponsible." But the Chinese media blamed the US ship for getting too close to the Liaoning.
"All tests and training programs went well as scheduled," the state news agency said.
The first journey of Liaoning covered areas near the disputed islands in South China Sea, which are claimed by Philippines and Vietnam along with China. The Chinese foreign ministry was involved in intense diplomatic parleys with them to ensure that the Liaoning's journey does not result in fresh controversies over the disputed islands, sources said.
The Xinhua news agency said without naming sources that the Liaoning tested its combat system and conducted a formation practice and "attained the anticipated objectives."
China bought the carrier from Ukraine in 1998 and it was extensively refurbished before being inducted in 2012.
China has ambitious plans to launch larger aircraft carriers in the future as compared to Liaoning, the country's deputy navy chief Song Xue was quoted by Xinhua. Song did not say how many carriers China wants to launch. "We won't have just one," he said. The statement comes in the midst of massive expansion of China's naval capabilities.
China?s first aircraft carrier completes sea trials - The Times of India
Diplomats watching the scene expect China to send it to the East China Sea and areas around the Diaoyu Islands, which are contested by China and Japan.
Aircraft, naval vessels and submarines also participated in the Liaoning's tests. The Chinese naval ship accompanying the carrier had a near collision with a US Navy ship for which both sides blamed the other. US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel called China's behaviour "irresponsible." But the Chinese media blamed the US ship for getting too close to the Liaoning.
"All tests and training programs went well as scheduled," the state news agency said.
The first journey of Liaoning covered areas near the disputed islands in South China Sea, which are claimed by Philippines and Vietnam along with China. The Chinese foreign ministry was involved in intense diplomatic parleys with them to ensure that the Liaoning's journey does not result in fresh controversies over the disputed islands, sources said.
The Xinhua news agency said without naming sources that the Liaoning tested its combat system and conducted a formation practice and "attained the anticipated objectives."
China bought the carrier from Ukraine in 1998 and it was extensively refurbished before being inducted in 2012.
China has ambitious plans to launch larger aircraft carriers in the future as compared to Liaoning, the country's deputy navy chief Song Xue was quoted by Xinhua. Song did not say how many carriers China wants to launch. "We won't have just one," he said. The statement comes in the midst of massive expansion of China's naval capabilities.
China?s first aircraft carrier completes sea trials - The Times of India