Chinese aircraft carrier in science tests

BEIJING, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- China's recently launched aircraft carrier has taken to sea to conduct scientific testing, a spokesman with the Ministry of National Defense said.

After a series of previous successful sea trials, the vessel is now carrying out follow-up scientific testing as planned, spokesman Yang Yujun told China's state-run news agency Xinhua Wednesday.

Construction of the aircraft carrier was started by the former Soviet Union but was incomplete when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

It was disarmed and had its engine removed in Ukraine before it was sold to China.

China says the vessel, 997 feet long by 121 feet wide and displacing 64,000 tons, has been completely refitted.

The scientific research, testing and training will be a long process that will take place at sea, Yang said.

Although repeatedly calling the testing scientific, Yang acknowledged the Chinese navy has been modernizing the level of its comprehensive combat power.

China's inshore defense policy has not changed, he said, and the navy undertakes the tasks to defend national security at sea, safeguard sovereignty over territorial waters, and protect maritime rights and interests.

Currently, the United States, Britain, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, India, Brazil and Thailand operate a total of 21 active-service aircraft carriers.