China's first aircraft carrier successfully completes sea trials

BEIJING: China's first aircraft carrier has successfully completed a series of tests and training programmes in the South China Sea, amidst rising tensions over Beijing's territorial claims in the region.

The newly-commissioned ' Liaoning' returned to its homeport in north China, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.

The aircraft carrier underwent a comprehensive test of its combat system and conducted a formation practice during its 37-day voyage, the report quoted an unnamed naval source as saying. Such tests have "attained the anticipated objectives", the source said.

Liaoning's combat and power system and its seagoing capability have been further tested during the trip. "All tests and training programs went well as scheduled", said the source.

Aircraft, naval vessels and submarines to participate in the tests.

The Liaoning is China's lone aircraft carrier in operation. It was refitted based on an unfinished carrier of the former Soviet Union. The refitted carrier was delivered to the navy September 2012.

The news comes amidst mounting rising tensions over Beijing's territorial claims in the region, with China and Japan squaring off over a chain of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea.

In November, China declared air defence rights over much of the sea. Besides, China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea.