China reportedly launches first domestically built aircraft carrierApril 26, 2017 - 12:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China has launched its first domestically designed and built aircraft carrier, state media said Wednesday, April 26, as the country seeks to transform its navy into a force capable of projecting power onto the high seas, AFP says. Adorned with colourful ribbons, the Type 001A ship "transferred from dry dock into the water at a launch ceremony" in the northeastern port city of Dalian, according to official broadcaster CCTV. The ribbon-cutting was followed by the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship's bow. Analysts said the ship represented a "status symbol" for Beijing in a contested region but posed little threat to advanced US carriers. China's defence ministry has previously said the new carrier would displace 50,000 tonnes and use conventional rather than nuclear propulsion. It is expected to carry China's indigenous J-15 aircraft, along with other planes. "The launch of the new aircraft carrier is primarily a symbolic event because it will take about two years for the vessel to be equipped and to make its first real tests overboard," according to Juliette Genevaz, China researcher at the France-based Military School Strategic Research Institute. Nevertheless, Genevaz said, it is a "technological leap" for China as it signals the development of more native aircraft carriers in the future. Type 001A is China's new class of carrier. The country first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is a secondhand Soviet ship built more than 25 years ago and commissioned in 2012 after extensive refits. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. Up to 1% cashback when shopping on Wildberries with IDBank cards IDBank is launching an exclusive campaign on Wildberries for online shopping enthusiasts. |