China put its first ever aircraft carrier into formal service on Tuesday in a symbolic move that could further raise tension with Japan and other neighbours.
The newly named Liaoning aircraft carrier will help Beijing “effectively protect national sovereignty, security and development interests”, China’s Ministry of Defence said.
“With the development of China’s maritime trade, the first aircraft carrier provides the foundation for the further development of China’s far-sea defence and far-sea navies,” said Ni Lexiong, director of the Naval Strategy and Defence Policy Institute at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. “This is a happy occasion that is worthy of high praise.”
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