The night view on board China's first aircraft carrier, Liaoning. [Photo: Xinhua/chinamil.com.cn]
China's First Aircraft Carrier 'Preparing For First Long Distance Mission' -- The Telegraph
China's first aircraft carrier could make its maiden long distance journey "within the year", state media has announced in a further indication of the country's growing military clout.
The 990ft Liaoning carrier – which was formally brought into service last September – is now preparing for its first major outing, CCTV reported.
"A big country cannot do without aircraft carriers," said Zhang Zheng, the carrier's captain, whose first encounter with an aircraft carrier came in Portsmouth, in 2002.
The Liaoning is a former Soviet carrier that was reportedly purchased from Ukraine in 1999 before being refitted at a naval base in northeast China.
In March, a Chinese shipping expert, Lan Yun, told state media its first major voyage could take between one and three months and see the Liaoning reach "waters near Japan's Okinawa islands and even Guam".
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More News On China's Aircraft Carrier Liaoning
'Liaoning Ship' to make blue-water voyage in 2013 -- People's Daily News
China to send first aircraft carrier on high seas voyage -- The Nation/Reuters
Female members of Liaoning mark their mark -- China Daily
Carrier of navy's pride -- China Daily
In Pictures: Interior of China's First Aircraft Carrier Liaoning -- CRI English
My Comment: What strikes me about the pictures is how "super-duper" clear everything is.