China’s first aircraft carrier begins sea trials amid concerns over Asian giant’s ambitions

BEIJING — China's first aircraft carrier swept through fog-shrouded waters Wednesday to open sea trials that underscore concerns about the country's growing military strength and its increasingly assertive claims over disputed territory.

The mission by the refurbished former Soviet carrier marks a first step in readying the craft for full deployment. China says the ship is intended for research and training, pointing to longer-term plans to build up to three additional clones of the carrier in China's own shipyards.

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Anthony Faiola 10 Aug, 2011

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Source: http://feeds.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=44b9569e582ca5fdba7bdb0c4216dbb4
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