China's independent development of weaponry and equipment are the arrangements consistent with the country's security needs and the overall development of the navy, Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
Jiang briefed the media on the aircraft carrier Fujian's living-force training, as well as the sea trial of the Sichuan, China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship.
A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, consisting of the Fujian and multiple escort vessels like the Yan'an and the Tongliao, carried out a series of training exercises, including fleet navigation, vessel-aircraft joint search and rescue, and carrier-based aircraft takeoffs and landings.
It was the first time that the Fujian had conducted on-sea live-force training since its commissioning on November 5.
"The Fujian, China's first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, is a landmark piece of equipment for the leapfrog development in the PLA Navy's transformation. Shortly after commissioning, it conducted its first live-force training exercise at sea which effectively tested its electromagnetic catapult, recovery and deck operation capabilities, further validated its vessel-aircraft compatibility, and made a solid step toward the goal of developing integrated combat capabilities of the formation," Jiang said.
Meanwhile, the Sichuan has recently conducted its first navigation test mission, drawing attention from around the world.
The indigenously developed vessel was put into the water in December 2024 at a launch and naming ceremony.
"As a new generation amphibious assault ship of the PLA Navy, the Sichuan will play a significant role in advancing PLA Navy's transformation and enhancing its far-sea combat capability. China's independent development and construction of the amphibious assault ship and other military equipment is an arrangement consistent with national security needs and the overall development of the PLA Navy. The goal is to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests, and to better safeguard peace and stability in the region and even the world at large," Jiang said.
Spokesman on aircraft carrier Fujian's living-force training, assault ship's sea trial
Spokesman on aircraft carrier Fujian's living-force training, assault ship's sea trial
