Xi Jinping sends signal to neighbours with high-profile tour of Liaoning aircraft carrier
President greets sailors and commends flight crews at Dalian base
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.
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
The Soviet-built Liaoning, which was handed over to the PLA Navy last September after 10 years of retrofitting by a state-owned company, is the showpiece of China's effort to build a "blue-water" navy - one capable of sustained operations across oceans.
Xi reviewed an honour guard and observed a training session on Wednesday, Xinhua reported yesterday. Xi, who also heads the decision-making Central Military Commission, went below deck and talked to sailors.
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.
China's display of naval might comes amid a renewed US focus on the region, although India, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam have also been strengthening their naval capabilities. Tensions have run high with Japan over the disputed Diaoyus, or Senkaku Islands, in the East China Sea.
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."