China launched its second aircraft carrier—and the first one entirely home-built—taking another stride in its quest for a world-class navy that can protect Chinese economic and security interests far from its shores. About two years of sea trials are expected before the still-unnamed ship becomes fully operational, Chinese and Western military experts say. Japan's has two large helicopter carriers but none capable of launching fighter jets. China has also been sending ships and submarines deep into the Indian and Pacific Oceans in recent years. While a long way from matching the U.S. navy, which has 10 carriers and decades of experience operating them, China's carriers significantly boost its efforts to build a "blue water" navy, capable of conducting combat and other missions far from its shores.

Source: Fox News April 26, 2017 10:18 UTC