China is developing at least one type of carrier aircraft based on Russia's Sukhoi Su-33.
China says its first aircraft carrier has formally entered service, although it is not expected to take on planes for some time.
The Defense Ministry s announcement Tuesday had been long-expected and was not directly linked to current tensions with Japan over a disputed group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. Still, the ship s launch underscores China s ambitions to possess a complete blue water navy able to operate far from its shores.
The carrier is the former Soviet Varyag, which was towed from Ukraine in 1998 minus its engines, weaponry and navigation systems.
Christened "Liaoning" after the northeastern province where it is based, the ship began sea trials in August following years of refurbishment.
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