China's economy is increasingly becoming a tale of two contrasting realities. While provinces driven by artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and exports are experiencing rapid economic growth, regions dependent on tourism, real estate, and traditional industries are struggling to keep pace.

The latest provincial economic data highlights a widening K-shaped economic divide, with technology hubs such as Zhejiang, home to Alibaba, DeepSeek, and Unitree Robotics, outperforming the national average. Other manufacturing powerhouses including Shanghai, Anhui, and Shandong have also recorded strong growth, fueled by rising global demand for high-tech products.

China's K-Shaped Economy Deepens as AI Boom Widens Regional Gap

Japan on Thursday (Jun 25) rejected claims that its military “harassed” a Chinese aircraft carrier strike group during over 40 days of “far-sea combat training” in the Pacific. This comes after the Chinese Navy accused Japan of “repeatedly” conducting close-range surveillance and “provocative harassment”. In a statement, Tokyo said that the claims were “not true”, adding that its forces will continue to conduct vigilance and surveillance in the surrounding area sea and airspace of the country.“Chinese state media have reported as if the Japan Self-Defense Forces engaged in interference or provocation against Chinese naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning. Such claims are not true,” Japan’s Joint Staff said on X.The statement added, “In order to ensure Japan’s sovereignty and security, JMOD/JSDF will continue to conduct vigilant monitoring and surveillance of the waters and airspace surrounding Japan in a professional and steady manner, while maintaining a calm and resolute posture and placing the highest priority on safety.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-never-return-to-pre-war-conditions-iran-says-hormuz-under-tehran-control-1782178171914">‘Will never return to pre-war conditions’: Iran says Hormuz will be under Tehran control</a><h2>What did China claim?</h2>Earlier on Wednesday (Jun 25), Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the Chinese Navy’s Liaoning aircraft carrier flotilla returned to its home port on Monday (Jun 22) after the Japanese military “harassed” the strike group.“Japanese vessels and aircraft repeatedly conducted close-range tracking, surveillance and provocative harassment,” it is said.“The Liaoning carrier group maintained a high state of alert throughout, continuously launching carrier-based fighter aircraft for combat sorties, flexibly adjusting combat formations and responding professionally to Japan’s dangerous actions,” CCTV added.Earlier, on June 1, Japan said that the Chinese naval group carried out drills east of the Philippines in late May. It added that its forces conducted “surveillance and information gathering.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-requests-88-billion-for-iran-war-other-expenses-1782355453624">Trump administration requests $88 billion for Iran war, other expenses</a><h2>China-Japan ties</h2>Relations between China and Japan have long been marked by tension. The ties between the two countries turned worse after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could consider military involvement should Beijing attempt to seize Taiwan by force. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it reserves the option of using military force to bring the island under its control.In response to Japan’s increasingly assertive stance, China has issued advisories warning its citizens about travel to Japan and has introduced trade-related restrictions.On Wednesday (Jun 24), China said that it detained two Japanese nationals for “smuggling goods subject to a national export and import ban”. According to Japanese media reports, the individuals, employees of Fuji Electric, may have been investigated over allegations involving the attempted export of rare earth materials from China.Watch | China's Lineshine Wins Top Spot on Top 500 List; China Challenges America's Digital Empire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-lineshine-wins-top-spot-on-top-500-list-china-challenges-america-s-digital-empire-1782374204436/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-lineshine-wins-top-spot-on-top-500-list-china-challenges-america-s-digital-empire-1782374204436/embed</a>&nbsp;

Japan rejected China's claim that it harassed the Liaoning carrier group during Pacific drills, calling the allegations false. The dispute adds to growing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

Japan on Thursday (Jun 25) rejected claims that its military “harassed” a Chinese aircraft carrier strike group during over 40 days of “far-sea combat training” in the Pacific. This comes after the Chinese Navy accused Japan of “repeatedly” conducting close-range surveillance and “provocative harassment”. In a statement, Tokyo said that the claims were “not true”, adding that its forces will continue to conduct vigilance and surveillance in the surrounding area sea and airspace of the country. “Chinese state media have reported as if the Japan Self-Defense Forces engaged in interference or provocation against Chinese naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning. Such claims are not true,” Japan’s Joint Staff said on X. The statement added, “In order to ensure Japan’s sovereignty and security, JMOD/JSDF will continue to conduct vigilant monitoring and surveillance of the waters and airspace surrounding Japan in a professional and steady manner, while maintaining a calm and resolute posture and placing the highest priority on safety.” Also read | ‘Will never return to pre-war conditions’: Iran says Hormuz will be under Tehran control What did China claim? Earlier on Wednesday (Jun 25), Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the Chinese Navy’s Liaoning aircraft carrier flotilla returned to its home port on Monday (Jun 22) after the Japanese military “harassed” the strike group. “Japanese vessels and aircraft repeatedly conducted close-range tracking, surveillance and provocative harassment,” it is said. “The Liaoning carrier group maintained a high state of alert throughout, continuously launching carrier-based fighter aircraft for combat sorties, flexibly adjusting combat formations and responding professionally to Japan’s dangerous actions,” CCTV added. Earlier, on June 1, Japan said that the Chinese naval group carried out drills east of the Philippines in late May. It added that its forces conducted “surveillance and information gathering.” Also read | Trump administration requests $88 billion for Iran war, other expenses China-Japan ties Relations between China and Japan have long been marked by tension. The ties between the two countries turned worse after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could consider military involvement should Beijing attempt to seize Taiwan by force. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it reserves the option of using military force to bring the island under its control. In response to Japan’s increasingly assertive stance, China has issued advisories warning its citizens about travel to Japan and has introduced trade-related restrictions. On Wednesday (Jun 24), China said that it detained two Japanese nationals for “smuggling goods subject to a national export and import ban”. According to Japanese media reports, the individuals, employees of Fuji Electric, may have been investigated over allegations involving the attempted export of rare earth materials from China. Watch | China's Lineshine Wins Top Spot on Top 500 List; China Challenges America's Digital Empire https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-lineshine-wins-top-spot-on-top-500-list-china-challenges-america-s-digital-empire-1782374204436/embed

Japan rejected China's claim that it harassed the Liaoning carrier group during Pacific drills, calling the allegations false. The dispute adds to growing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

‘Claims are not true’: Japan rejects China’s accusation of ‘harassing’ aircraft carrier during Pacific drills

Why China is launching new warships in the South China Sea

Japan's Defense Ministry on Wednesday confirmed that a Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning after passing through waters between two Japanese islands returned to the East China Sea from the Pacific.&nbsp;

The ministry said the Maritime Self-Defence Force confirmed that during the period from Monday to Tuesday, the Liaoning, accompanied by five other vessels, sailed northward between Okinawa's main island and Miyakojima Island, and then entered the East China Sea, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

Early in April, the fleet was seen sailing south in the same area and entering the Pacific.&nbsp;

This is the second time that the Chinese aircraft carrier has passed between the two Japanese islands on a round trip.&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry also said that, after entering the East China Sea, an early warning helicopter was viewed taking off from the Liaoning and coming around 50 to 100 kilometers to the northeast of Taisho Island, part of Japan's Senkaku Islands. This prompted the Air Self-Defence Force's aircraft to scramble.&nbsp;

Japan controls the Senkaku islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry said that the helicopter did not violated Japan's airspace. It added that the Chinese fleet did not violated Japan's territorial waters, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Japan has welcomed the United Kingdom's plan to deploy a fleet led by its new flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth, to the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

Beijing announced earlier this month that the aircraft carrier group had conducted a naval exercise in the waters near Taiwan.&nbsp;

Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.&nbsp;

China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Japan's Defense Ministry on Wednesday confirmed that a Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning after passing through waters between two Japanese islands returned to the East China Sea from the Pacific.

Japan's Defense Ministry on Wednesday confirmed that a Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning after passing through waters between two Japanese islands returned to the East China Sea from the Pacific. The ministry said the Maritime Self-Defence Force confirmed that during the period from Monday to Tuesday, the Liaoning, accompanied by five other vessels, sailed northward between Okinawa's main island and Miyakojima Island, and then entered the East China Sea, reported NHK World. Early in April, the fleet was seen sailing south in the same area and entering the Pacific. This is the second time that the Chinese aircraft carrier has passed between the two Japanese islands on a round trip. The Defence Ministry also said that, after entering the East China Sea, an early warning helicopter was viewed taking off from the Liaoning and coming around 50 to 100 kilometers to the northeast of Taisho Island, part of Japan's Senkaku Islands. This prompted the Air Self-Defence Force's aircraft to scramble. Japan controls the Senkaku islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them. The Defence Ministry said that the helicopter did not violated Japan's airspace. It added that the Chinese fleet did not violated Japan's territorial waters, reported NHK World. Meanwhile, Japan has welcomed the United Kingdom's plan to deploy a fleet led by its new flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth, to the Indo-Pacific region. Beijing announced earlier this month that the aircraft carrier group had conducted a naval exercise in the waters near Taiwan. Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system. (With inputs from agencies)

China's aggression continues as Liaoning sails between Japanese islands

A huge fire ripped through a 25-story residential building in northeastern China's Liaoning province.

There are no reports of casualties so far and the blaze has been brought under control now.

It is being said that the blaze rapidly spread to the top floor as the building’s insulation caught fire.

Firefighters rescued and evacuated people from the huge fire.

Over two-hundred firefighters and 47 fire-engines were dispatched to the scene in an attempt to put out the blaze.

It took emergency workers some three hours to put out the fire.

Footage from the scene shows flaming insulation pieces falling off the tower and dropping onto the nearby lower buildings.

Further investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

A huge fire ripped through a 25-story residential building in northeastern China's Liaoning province. There are no reports of casualties so far and the blaze has been brought under control now.

A huge fire ripped through a 25-story residential building in northeastern China's Liaoning province. There are no reports of casualties so far and the blaze has been brought under control now. It is being said that the blaze rapidly spread to the top floor as the building’s insulation caught fire. Firefighters rescued and evacuated people from the huge fire. Over two-hundred firefighters and 47 fire-engines were dispatched to the scene in an attempt to put out the blaze. It took emergency workers some three hours to put out the fire. Footage from the scene shows flaming insulation pieces falling off the tower and dropping onto the nearby lower buildings. Further investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

Huge fire rips through a 25-storey residential building in China, casualties unknown

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-build-four-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-to-catch-up-with-us-navy-report-195614">third aircraft carrier</a> is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday.

ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-chinas-first-indigenously-built-aircraft-carrier-completes-sea-test-137911">Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai</a>.

The bow and hull are already under assembly, the pictures indicated, and are likely to be the beginnings of the 80-85,000 tonne type 002 aircraft carrier the Chinese navy has been known to be planning.

"Visible through the clouds and mist is what looks to be a bow and main hull section of a large vessel," ChinaPower said.

"While details regarding the Type 002 are limited, what is observable at Jiangnan is consistent with what is expected for the People's Liberation Army Navy's third aircraft carrier."

China's first carrier, the three decade-old, 66,000 tonne Liaoning, was acquired from Russia.

The second, a home-built carrier designated Type 001A and based on the Liaoning's design began sea trials, one year ago.

ChinaPower said that, based on the photos, the Jiangnan shipyard appears to be building a new tower crane, a floodable ship basin and a launching channel to accommodate the huge new carrier.

In a report published online, ChinaPower said the carrier is expected to be completed in 2022. In January a senior Chinese naval expert said the country needs "at least" three carriers to defend its coastline and global interests.

"Our country has an 18,000-kilometre (11,000-mile) long coastline. Also, our economy is outward looking and our interests abroad are growing," said Commodore Zhang Junshe, a member of the Naval Research Institute.

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its third aircraft carrier is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its third aircraft carrier is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai. The bow and hull are already under assembly, the pictures indicated, and are likely to be the beginnings of the 80-85,000 tonne type 002 aircraft carrier the Chinese navy has been known to be planning. "Visible through the clouds and mist is what looks to be a bow and main hull section of a large vessel," ChinaPower said. "While details regarding the Type 002 are limited, what is observable at Jiangnan is consistent with what is expected for the People's Liberation Army Navy's third aircraft carrier." China's first carrier, the three decade-old, 66,000 tonne Liaoning, was acquired from Russia. The second, a home-built carrier designated Type 001A and based on the Liaoning's design began sea trials, one year ago. ChinaPower said that, based on the photos, the Jiangnan shipyard appears to be building a new tower crane, a floodable ship basin and a launching channel to accommodate the huge new carrier. In a report published online, ChinaPower said the carrier is expected to be completed in 2022. In January a senior Chinese naval expert said the country needs "at least" three carriers to defend its coastline and global interests. "Our country has an 18,000-kilometre (11,000-mile) long coastline. Also, our economy is outward looking and our interests abroad are growing," said Commodore Zhang Junshe, a member of the Naval Research Institute.

Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank

China on Tuesday played down media reports that Beijing plans to sell its first aircraft carrier 'Liaoning' to Pakistan, saying it follows certain principles while exporting its naval ships to other countries.

A Pakistani newspaper on February 10 cited the Chinese and Russian media reports as stating that "the Chinese government has decided to sell its first and only aircraft carrier to Pakistan...For a yet-undetermined price in order to upgrade the Pakistan Navy's capabilities."

Such a move will make the Pakistan Navy more competitive against India, which has an operational aircraft carrier, the report said, adding that 'Liaoning' will be resold to Pakistan after a "large-scale upgrade."

When asked for her comment on the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "I have not seen the report you mentioned."

"But China has always followed principles regarding exports of its naval ships to other countries," she said, without elaborating.

An earlier report said China, which shares close linkages with the Pakistan military, is currently building four modern naval ships for the Pakistan Navy.

Chinese military experts, however, termed the media report of the sale of the Liaoning to Pakistan as false.

The Chinese government has never disclosed any plan regarding such a deal, state-run Global Times here reported.

It also said that its reporter could not find the Chinese media report regarding the sale cited by the Pakistani newspaper.&nbsp;

It is a groundless allegation and complete falsehood, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and commentator, told the Global Times.

As China's first-ever aircraft carrier, the Liaoning acts as both training vessel and combat warship, that there is a zero possibility of reselling it, and China does not have spare carriers to sell to Pakistan, Song noted.&nbsp;

The Liaoning is the only Chinese aircraft carrier in active service, and the country's first domestically developed carrier, known as the Type-001 A, is still undergoing sea trials.

Song said that "such reports have no credibility even judging from Pakistan's perspective, as the country's navy pursues an onshore defence strategy, which means it does not need a carrier. And its defence budget cannot afford an aircraft carrier or maintain one.

Pakistan's main focus is to maintain its own strategic nuclear capabilities rather than to promote the improvement of conventional capabilities, especially the improvement of offshore capabilities. (Buying China's carrier) does not meet the actual needs of Pakistan, Song said.

China is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier.

Although it has been widely speculated that China will have at least five aircraft carriers, including two nuclear-powered ones by 2030-2035, China's defence ministry has not yet revealed a plan for future carriers, the Global Times said.&nbsp;

China on Tuesday played down media reports that Beijing plans to sell its first aircraft carrier 'Liaoning' to Pakistan, saying it follows certain principles while exporting its naval ships to other countries.

China on Tuesday played down media reports that Beijing plans to sell its first aircraft carrier 'Liaoning' to Pakistan, saying it follows certain principles while exporting its naval ships to other countries. A Pakistani newspaper on February 10 cited the Chinese and Russian media reports as stating that "the Chinese government has decided to sell its first and only aircraft carrier to Pakistan...For a yet-undetermined price in order to upgrade the Pakistan Navy's capabilities." Such a move will make the Pakistan Navy more competitive against India, which has an operational aircraft carrier, the report said, adding that 'Liaoning' will be resold to Pakistan after a "large-scale upgrade." When asked for her comment on the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "I have not seen the report you mentioned." "But China has always followed principles regarding exports of its naval ships to other countries," she said, without elaborating. An earlier report said China, which shares close linkages with the Pakistan military, is currently building four modern naval ships for the Pakistan Navy. Chinese military experts, however, termed the media report of the sale of the Liaoning to Pakistan as false. The Chinese government has never disclosed any plan regarding such a deal, state-run Global Times here reported. It also said that its reporter could not find the Chinese media report regarding the sale cited by the Pakistani newspaper. It is a groundless allegation and complete falsehood, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and commentator, told the Global Times. As China's first-ever aircraft carrier, the Liaoning acts as both training vessel and combat warship, that there is a zero possibility of reselling it, and China does not have spare carriers to sell to Pakistan, Song noted. The Liaoning is the only Chinese aircraft carrier in active service, and the country's first domestically developed carrier, known as the Type-001 A, is still undergoing sea trials. Song said that "such reports have no credibility even judging from Pakistan's perspective, as the country's navy pursues an onshore defence strategy, which means it does not need a carrier. And its defence budget cannot afford an aircraft carrier or maintain one. Pakistan's main focus is to maintain its own strategic nuclear capabilities rather than to promote the improvement of conventional capabilities, especially the improvement of offshore capabilities. (Buying China's carrier) does not meet the actual needs of Pakistan, Song said. China is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier. Although it has been widely speculated that China will have at least five aircraft carriers, including two nuclear-powered ones by 2030-2035, China's defence ministry has not yet revealed a plan for future carriers, the Global Times said.

China plays down media reports of selling aircraft carrier to Pakistan

Chinese fighter pilots have carried out night landings on the country's first aircraft carrier, the official China Daily reported on Saturday, the latest demonstration of Beijing's push to modernise its military forces.

Pilots flying J-15 jets landed at night on the Liaoning, the official paper said citing a video posted by China's navy. It said this was a complex manoeuvre that marked a "huge leap towards gaining full combat capability".

China has ambitious plans to overhaul its armed forces as it ramps up its presence in the disputed South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan, an island China considers its own.

China's first domestically developed aircraft carrier set off on sea trials earlier this month. The Liaoning, which is expected to serve more as a training vessel, was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998.

Its navy has also been taking an increasingly prominent role in recent months, with the Liaoning sailing around Taiwan and new Chinese warships popping up in far-flung places.

State media has quoted experts as saying China needs at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more.

Many experts agree that developing such a force would be a decades-long endeavour but that the drive to bolster its forces at sea will be crucial in the longer term as China looks to erode U.S. military prominence in the region.

Chinese fighter pilots have carried out night landings on the country's first aircraft carrier, the official China Daily reported on Saturday, the latest demonstration of Beijing's push to modernise its military forces

Chinese fighter pilots have carried out night landings on the country's first aircraft carrier, the official China Daily reported on Saturday, the latest demonstration of Beijing's push to modernise its military forces. Pilots flying J-15 jets landed at night on the Liaoning, the official paper said citing a video posted by China's navy. It said this was a complex manoeuvre that marked a "huge leap towards gaining full combat capability". China has ambitious plans to overhaul its armed forces as it ramps up its presence in the disputed South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan, an island China considers its own. China's first domestically developed aircraft carrier set off on sea trials earlier this month. The Liaoning, which is expected to serve more as a training vessel, was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998. Its navy has also been taking an increasingly prominent role in recent months, with the Liaoning sailing around Taiwan and new Chinese warships popping up in far-flung places. State media has quoted experts as saying China needs at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more. Many experts agree that developing such a force would be a decades-long endeavour but that the drive to bolster its forces at sea will be crucial in the longer term as China looks to erode U.S. military prominence in the region.

Chinese J-15 jets complete night landings on carrier in push to modernise

China's first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier started sea trials&nbsp;Sunday, state media said, a landmark in Beijing's ambitious plans to modernise its navy as the Asian giant presses its claims in disputed regional waters.

The carrier, known only as "Type 001A", set out for the trials from a port in northeastern China at around&nbsp;6.45 am&nbsp;(2245 GMT&nbsp;Saturday), according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Expected to be commissioned by 2020, the ship will give China a second aircraft carrier as it asserts its claims in the South China Sea and seeks to deter any independence movements in Taiwan.

Footage aired by CCTV showed the imposing carrier accompanied by several smaller military craft leaving a wharf and heading out to sea.

It is the first time the ship's engine, propulsion and navigation systems will be tested at sea, state media said, a year after it first took to the water at its official launch.

China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is a repurposed Soviet ship bought from Ukraine, which went into service in 2012.&nbsp;

Neither the Liaoning or the new ship are nuclear powered, but both can carry around 40 planes and have similar "ski jump" ramps, an old launch system that forces aircraft to carry fewer weapons in order to hold more fuel for take-off.

The possession of a homegrown aircraft carrier -- which the defence ministry has said displaces 55,000 tonnes -- places China among the few military powers with such vessels, including the United States, Russia and Britain.

But it would still be no match in size or range to the nuclear-powered vessels of the United States Navy, which has 11 carriers.

China's warships will enable it to "project its power and influence in its neighbourhood", Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), told AFP.

Chinese state media have been speculating that a third aircraft carrier is in the works, but the defence ministry has yet to confirm this.

However, even with the potential development of further carriers, it could still be years before China's navy is able to deploy its fleet effectively, said Tsang.

"With the Chinese carriers substantially inferior in capacity to the US super-carriers, the balance of forces between the two navies will only change marginally rather than substantially," he said.

Beijing has embarked on an extensive project to build a "blue water" navy and modernise its two million-strong military, the world's largest.

China's defence budget rose 8.1 percent to 1.1 trillion yuan ($175 billion) in 2018, but it is still only about a quarter that of the United States.

The Liaoning has conducted a series of manoeuvres with dozens of other ships, submarines and aircraft in the South China Sea in recent weeks.

In March it sailed through the Taiwan Strait, prompting Taipei to dispatch ships and planes to track the vessel, on the same day Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against what he called any attempts to split China.

Beijing sees democratically governed Taiwan as a renegade part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force.

China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have claimed to the South China Sea, while Beijing also has territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea.

The US, meanwhile, regularly conducts "freedom of navigation" naval operations near artificial islands in the South China Sea to challenges Beijing's claims.

The carrier, known only as 'Type 001A', set out for the trials from a port in northeastern China at around 6.45 am, according to state broadcaster CCTV

China's first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier started sea trials Sunday, state media said, a landmark in Beijing's ambitious plans to modernise its navy as the Asian giant presses its claims in disputed regional waters. The carrier, known only as "Type 001A", set out for the trials from a port in northeastern China at around 6.45 am (2245 GMT Saturday), according to state broadcaster CCTV. Expected to be commissioned by 2020, the ship will give China a second aircraft carrier as it asserts its claims in the South China Sea and seeks to deter any independence movements in Taiwan. Footage aired by CCTV showed the imposing carrier accompanied by several smaller military craft leaving a wharf and heading out to sea. It is the first time the ship's engine, propulsion and navigation systems will be tested at sea, state media said, a year after it first took to the water at its official launch. China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is a repurposed Soviet ship bought from Ukraine, which went into service in 2012. Neither the Liaoning or the new ship are nuclear powered, but both can carry around 40 planes and have similar "ski jump" ramps, an old launch system that forces aircraft to carry fewer weapons in order to hold more fuel for take-off. The possession of a homegrown aircraft carrier -- which the defence ministry has said displaces 55,000 tonnes -- places China among the few military powers with such vessels, including the United States, Russia and Britain. But it would still be no match in size or range to the nuclear-powered vessels of the United States Navy, which has 11 carriers. China's warships will enable it to "project its power and influence in its neighbourhood", Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), told AFP. Chinese state media have been speculating that a third aircraft carrier is in the works, but the defence ministry has yet to confirm this. However, even with the potential development of further carriers, it could still be years before China's navy is able to deploy its fleet effectively, said Tsang. "With the Chinese carriers substantially inferior in capacity to the US super-carriers, the balance of forces between the two navies will only change marginally rather than substantially," he said. Beijing has embarked on an extensive project to build a "blue water" navy and modernise its two million-strong military, the world's largest. China's defence budget rose 8.1 percent to 1.1 trillion yuan ($175 billion) in 2018, but it is still only about a quarter that of the United States. The Liaoning has conducted a series of manoeuvres with dozens of other ships, submarines and aircraft in the South China Sea in recent weeks. In March it sailed through the Taiwan Strait, prompting Taipei to dispatch ships and planes to track the vessel, on the same day Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against what he called any attempts to split China. Beijing sees democratically governed Taiwan as a renegade part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force. China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have claimed to the South China Sea, while Beijing also has territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea. The US, meanwhile, regularly conducts "freedom of navigation" naval operations near artificial islands in the South China Sea to challenges Beijing's claims.

First China-made aircraft carrier starts sea trials: State media

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