China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier is seen during its launching ceremony in Dalian, Liaoning province, China, on Wednesday. Photo: ReutersBeijing: China launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier on Wednesday amid rising tension over North Korea and worries about Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. The launch “shows our country’s indigenous aircraft carrier design and construction has achieved major step-by-step results”, Xinhua news agency said. Also Read: China’s newest aircraft carrier should worry IndiaLittle is known about China’s aircraft carrier programme, which is a state secret. Taiwan, claimed by Beijing as its own, has said China is actually building two new aircraft carriers, but China has not officially confirmed the existence of another carrier.

Source: Mint April 26, 2017 04:06 UTC