Govt launches new aircraft carrier

Naval milestone: A screencap showing the launch ceremony of the aircraft carrier ‘Fujian’ at a shipyard in Shanghai. — AFP

Beijing launched a new-generation aircraft carrier, the first such ship to be both designed and built in China, in a milestone as it seeks to extend the range and power of its navy.

The Type 003 carrier christened Fujian left its drydock at a shipyard outside Shanghai yesterday morning and tied up at a nearby pier, state media reports said.