South China Morning Post
Xi Jinping sends signal to neighbours with high-profile tour of Liaoning aircraft carrier
President greets sailors and commends flight crews at Dalian base
Saturday, 31 August, 2013, 11:01am
President Xi Jinping has paid his first visit to the country's sole aircraft carrier - a trip that analysts said was designed to send a strong message to regional rivals. Xi's inspection tour of the Liaoning in Dalian followed a series of naval advancements by China's neighbours, including Japan's launch of its largest military vessel since the second world war, the helicopter-carrier Izumo.
...
Before boarding, Xi visited a People's Liberation Army naval training base to watch aircraft that will use the carrier practice landing exercises. Xi praised the pilots' performance and skills under complex weather conditions. The Liaoning's design allows it to carry about 30 fixed-wing aircraft, and the navy is still practising deck landings.
...
Yue Gang, a retired PLA colonel, said Xi's inspection tour was aimed at sending a signal to Tokyo. "It means China is developing its strategic weapon," Yue said. "China needs to further improve this weapon and should not be complacent with its recent [naval] advancement."
Ministry of National Defence spokesman Yang Yujun said on Thursday that although the Liaoning was China's first aircraft carrier, "there will surely be more in future".
...
In February, the PLA's main ship contractor, the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, said the Ministry of Science and Technology had approved funding for two research projects, including core technologies and safety studies for nuclear-powered ships.
Since taking power in November, Xi has paid regular visits to military facilities and urged PLA leaders to speed up their modernisation programme. He has placed particular focus on building a blue-water fleet, which he has described as necessary for securing China's revival.
....
!!
