China dismisses reports of second aircraft carrier
Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun on Thursday dismissed foreign media reports that said China is building a second aircraft carrier in Shanghai and that it will be launched late this year, Xinhua reported.
Yang said China will plan the development of aircraft carriers in an all-round way, taking its national economic and social development and the needs of national defense and military construction into account.
The first carrier, beginning its service in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, is a milestone in our military history and a major achievement of our navy building, Yang said.
When asked to confirm reports that the Chinese navy will create an aircraft carrier formation in the future and build an aircraft carrier base in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao, Yang said "the formation is generally made up of the aircraft carrier itself, escort vessels, submarines and aircraft. China will study the issue in accordance with the development and real needs of the aircraft carrier."
China's first aircraft carrier, delivered and commissioned to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Tuesday, will be used to conduct scientific experiments and military training, Yang said.