BEIJING (PTI): China's first aircraft carrier is likely to be commissioned on August 1 and deployed in the disputed South China Sea, boosting its blue water aspirations.
"The military authority plans to let the aircraft carrier be commissioned this year," Deputy Commander of Chinese navy Xu Hongmeng said.
The yet to be named carrier has taken part in four sea trials in the Pacific since August last year, Shanghai Daily quoted Xu as saying.
Experts believe the carrier will be commissioned on August 1, China's Army Day, and will be deployed in the South China Sea, the paper said, adding fighter jets will soon be involved in sea trials which are taking place smoothly so far.
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