China unveiled its first aircraft carrier on Tuesday--the Liaoning--named after the country's northeastern province.
While the ship is still several years away from being ready for combat, it is the first step in China's attempt to eventually challenge American naval supremacy in the Pacific.
Since World War II, the United States has been the dominant seagoing force in the region, preventing Chinese aggression against U.S. allies Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.
But there was much fanfare in Chinese state media over the new aircraft carrier. The ship will "be of great and far-reaching significance in inspiring patriotism, national spirit and driving national-defense technologies," said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. "It will also be of great significance in enhancing national defense power and the country's comprehensive strength."
Currently, China is still training pilots, as it has none with the skills required to operate an aircraft based on a moving ship. So far, no Chinese pilot has landed on the Liaoning.
Originally a Ukrainian ship, China bought and retrofitted it as the first of a planned series of aircraft carriers. The next ship is expected in 2015.
When the Lioaning becomes fully operational, it will have the potential to disrupt international relations in the region. Since 1949, China has had a difficult relationship with Taiwan, an island nation 90 miles off the coast of southern China. Aggressive Chinese posturing may pull the United States into a conflict, as it has an agreement to defend Taiwan against any attack.
China has also recently traded diplomatic barbs with Japan over the ownership of the Senkaku Islands, a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. Some experts believe large oil deposits may reside nearby, and the situation could become more intense if China has access to sea-based aircraft.
Xinhua, the Chinese state news agency, sought to allay fears of posturing by China's military, saying, "China will not join any arms race, pose a threat to other countries or exceed its national and economic strength to develop arms."
According to the Pentagon, the Chinese navy currently has 75 surface warships, including destroyers and frigates, as well as 60 submarines.
