Beijing launches its 1st fully locally-made aircraft carrier
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Type 003 uses a catapult launch, which experts believe is an electromagnetic-type system similar to one developed by the US Navy.
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Water cannons spray China’s third aircraft carrier christened Fujian during its launching ceremony. (AP)
China launches its own high-tech aircraft carrier, the first of its kind to be designed and built in China.
State media reported that the “Type 003 carrier christened Fujian left its drydock at a shipyard outside Shanghai in the morning and tied up at a nearby pier.”
Type 003 ship's capabilities are thought to rival those of Western carriers.
State-funded media outlet CCTV showed navy staff gathered beneath the massive ship as water jets sprayed over its deck, multi-colored streamers flew, and billowing clouds of brightly colored smoke were released.
Beijing plans to transform its navy, which is already the largest in the world, into a multi-carrier force, as Washington announces new military efforts to confront China and Russia.
The US Navy has sailed warships past artificial islands built in the sea by China, complete with airstrips and other military facilities. US Navy claims that the missions are carried out to ensure the free flow of international trade.
Meanwhile, Beijing has constantly urged the US to abandon the Cold War mentality and stop threatening world peace and security.
Read more: Cold War Parallels: China-Taiwan Tensions
It is worth mentioning that China's first carrier was a repurposed Soviet ship, and its second was designed in China but built in Russia.
Both were designed to use a "ski-jump" launch method for aircraft, with a ramp at the end of the short runway to assist planes in taking off.
For more than a decade, China's People Liberation Army Navy has been modernizing to become a "blue water" force capable of operating globally rather than remaining close to the Chinese mainland.
