The aircraft is still in the development phase and will have to be able to handle ski-jump and electromagnetic catapult systems, analyst says.

Aircraft perform more than 600 take-offs and landings during manoeuvres in April, Japanese forces say.

The country will also allow university graduates with STEM backgrounds to enter naval aviation pipeline as part of new recruitment drive.

Sheer number of fighter jet sorties shows China’s naval operation abilities have significantly improved, US-based analyst says.

Fujian, mentioned by President Xi Jinping in New Year’s message as among the country’s achievements, is viewed as central to Two Centenaries goals.

The fleet is dominated by the country’s most powerful destroyers and includes supply ships, pointing to longer exercise.

The promotion of flying officers to command positions on board PLA Navy carriers mirrors US approach.

New generation of navy officers aboard PLA’s first aircraft carrier more confident in using the foreign language to warn off planes and vessels.

China launched its third and most-advanced aircraft carrier in June, but its navy lacks a fighter trainer specifically designed for carrier-based operation.

A video released on Chinese state media appears to show a Chinese navy jet warning off a US guided-missile destroyer.

Mooring trials taking place at the same time as fitting out, which could save time, state broadcaster says.

Warship was launched a month ago and military analysts expect the process to get it ready for active service could take several years.

The dry dock has been flooded so the vessel can be floated, and banners with political slogans and flags can be seen on the warship.

The vessels can send a political message in a time of tension, analyst says.

The launch had been been expected during Friday’s Dragon Boat Festival but was delayed for an unexplained reason.

It comes after the Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group was shadowed by Japan’s Izumo warship in the western Pacific.

Japanese and US navies kept a close eye on the PLA Navy’s aircraft carrier and accompanying vessels during its high-intensity drills.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted high-intensity drills in the Philippine Sea this month as the PLA navy seeks to hone its skills.

The Lhasa, seen as the world’s No 2 most powerful destroyer, led a series of drills with other warships and combat aircraft over three days.

The Liaoning conducted ‘more than 100 landings and take-offs’ in six days, Japan’s defence ministry said, in the first such report for the aircraft carrier.

PLA Navy carrier strike group carries out battle exercises south of Okinawa and east of Taiwan, closely monitored by Japan

The Liaoning escorted on ‘routine mission’ by seven warships, including the PLA Navy’s most powerful destroyer.

The defence ministry said eight naval vessels, including the carrier, transited through the islands in Okinawa.

Six of the transport planes, reportedly carrying missiles, took part in a multi-day, long-range mission that showcased the PLA’s growing logistical capability.

Wei Huixiao, the commander of the guided-missile destroyer the Shaoxing, joined the navy after working for Huawei and studying for a PhD.

Four of the country’s most advanced Type 055 destroyers have been operating in the Yellow Sea near their home base.

Chinese strike group has spent 20 days conducting combat training in the Yellow and East China seas and the western Pacific, PLA Daily says.

Larger number of warships became necessary for missions further afield than South China Sea and Taiwan, retired senior colonel tells mainland media.