Source:
https://scmp.com/news/world/article/1467058/hagel-starts-china-visit-rare-glimpse-liaoning-aircraft-carrier
China

Chuck Hagel kicks off China visit with rare glimpse of Liaoning aircraft carrier

US defence chief becomes first foreign official to be welcomed aboard China's first aircraft carrier

US defence chief Chuck Hagel is greeted by military personnel as he arrives at Qingdao airport before his inspection of China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. Photo: AP

US defence chief Chuck Hagel was given a rare tour of China's first aircraft carrier as he kicked off a three-day visit yesterday.

He became the first foreign official to go on board the Liaoning after arriving in the port city of Qingdao, getting a glimpse of Beijing's growing military strength and ambition.