China’s first aircraft carrier has entered into service, the defence ministry says.
The 300m (990ft) Liaoning – named after the province where it was refitted – is a refurbished Soviet ship purchased from Ukraine.
For now the carrier has no operational aircraft and will be used for training.
But China says the vessel, which has undergone extensive sea trials, will increase its capacity to defend state interests.
China’s Premier Wen Jiabao said the ship would have “a mighty and deep significance”. It would be “a cause for patriotic passion”, he said at a ceremony attended by top Chinese leaders at Dalian Port.
BBC has the full article
