Thu, September 27, 2012
By Yuan Yue, Sina English
This autumn, China’s Navy finally passed the country’s first aircraft-carrier, Liaoning, into service. This marks a milestone in the history of Chinese military.
Developing an aircraft carrier was an important strategic decision made by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission.
Back in 2003, Hu Jintao, the Party Secretary and President, Jiang Zemin, the then Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Wen Jiabao, the Premier put forward the plan to develop aircraft carrier for the sake of China's national security and all-round development, after listening closely to the suggestions from leaders and experts of the General Armaments Department, the Navy, and relevant industrial sectors. The plan was approved later at a central meeting.
The development of aircraft carrier underscores Chinese military's endeavor to safeguard the nation's sovereignty, security and interests, to maintain regional stability and, moreover, world peace. It signifies that China is taking up more responsibility as a world power. Moreover, the Chinese people have always longed for the country to possess its own aircraft carrier.
Therefore, after the plan was approved, the scientists, workers, and PLA officers had devoted themselves to this awesome mission and ultimately fulfilled it. The majestic carrier has finally come into a reality as they are preparing to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China.
Aircraft carrier is a gigantic project, involving a series of sophisticated technologies. When a new carrier is commissioned into service, its devices and systems have to go through many a time testing and training. The carrier, as well as its pilots and fleet, also has to undergo time-tested training in order to coordinate and cooperate like the oneness. This alone will take years.
In view of this, there is still a long way ahead to build up a reliable combat capability and form a capable task group. Rome is not built in one day; similarly, a truly powerful aircraft carrier cannot be built overnight.
At the time of applause, we should pause, and keep a sober mind, and take it as a momentum to further improve our navy's comprehensive strength. Hopefully, Chinese navy is embracing a new starting point to go blue.
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