China’s new aircraft carrier conducts first sea trials: state media

AFP | Beijing   

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

China’s Fujian aircraft carrier took to the water for maiden sea trials yesterday, state media said, a key next step in a vast naval build-up by Beijing as it carves out a more assertive role for itself in the Pacific and beyond.

The Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier after the Liaoning and the Shandong vessels and is the Chinese navy’s largest-ever ship.

It departed from eastern Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard at around 8:00 am, state news agency Xinhua said.

The trials will “primarily test the reliability and stability of the aircraft carrier’s propulsion and electrical systems”, it added.

China has stepped up a massive expansion of its naval forces in recent years, as it seeks to expand its reach in the Pacific and challenge a US-led alliance system.

Analysts at Washington-based think tank CSIS have said the Fujian is expected to feature more advanced takeoff systems, allowing the Chinese air force to deploy jets carrying larger payloads and more fuel.

“The vessel is slated to become the largest surface combatant in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy and significantly upgrade China’s naval capabilities,” they wrote.