China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier began sea trials on Sunday, the latest step in the country’s mission to develop a modern, adaptable naval force. It was a milestone for the Chinese navy and could have long-term effects on the Asia-Pacific region.

“China’s efforts to develop aircraft carriers are in line with the interests of the region and it’s a key premise of China’s national security,” Teng Jianqun, director of American Studies Department at China Institute of International Studies, told CGTN.

Teng stressed that having a strong maritime presence has been the priority of China’s national strategies since 2012. “A strong navy is the guarantee to achieving the goal,” he said.

Aircraft carriers play the headline role in a modern navy, serving as the cornerstone of a fleet.

Dmitry Stefanovich, a fellow at the International Affairs Council in Russia and an independent analyst, agreed with Teng’s insights. He said that China will gain a huge advantage in regional affairs from its domestically built aircraft carrier.

“When a country is capable of building aircraft carriers, it is able to defend attacks by air or sea,” Stefanovich told CGTN. In his view, China’s carriers will help the country secure its island chain. “Geopolitically, China’s aircraft carriers will certainly bring great value to maintaining regional peace and defending state sovereignty, particularly in terms of the issues in the South China Sea,” Stefanovich said.

http://www.ecns.cn/2018/05-15/302559.shtml