Made in China: First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Set for High Seas – Sputnik International

Once sea conditions reach a point thats comfortable foradmirals, the Chinese-made ship will be onits way totest the waters forthe first time, according tothe South China Morning Post. The enigmatic ship still has yet tobe named. So far, she is only referred toby her technical classification, Type 001A.

She will displace 70,000 tons ofwater, measuring 315 meters inlength and 75 meters inwidth. Although the launch has been heralded bysome asa sign that China is mastering naval technology, other military observers have noted China still only has aboutfour percent ofthe United States naval capability, according toa Monday report published inthe SCMP.

The ship is being constructed atthe Dalian Shipyard, a port innorthern Chinas Liaoning province that happens toshare a border the Democratic Peoples Republic ofKorea (North Korea). The launch ofthe aircraft carrier is imminent, sincethe ships hull appears complete and the construction scaffolding draping the ship has been taken down, according toan IHS Janes report.

Chinas other aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, conducted live-fire drills forthe first time inNovember oflast year. The Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been aggressive inpursuing a larger and more assertive fleet.

The two aircraft carriers could be a small sign ofthings tocome forthe ambitious Chinese navy. Some analysts suspect PLAN is pursuing a fleet ofmore than500 vessels, including subs, carriers, destroyers, amphibious vehicles, frigates and other naval hardware, Sputnik reported inJanuary.

Some observers suggest sailing aircraft carriers thousands ofmiles forlong periods oftime most US carriers only need tostop forone refueling duringthe entire course ofthe ships shelf-life is a way forChina todisplay and reinforce its ascendency toits status asa major global power.

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Made in China: First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Set for High Seas - Sputnik International