Xi aboard first aircraft carrier, watches training

Ministry of National Defence spokesman Yang Yujun said on Thursday that the Liaoning is the Chinese military's first aircraft carrier, but "there will surely be more in future."

China will comprehensively consider the development of aircraft carriers in accordance with the needs of national defense and military building, Yang said at a news briefing.

Currently, China operates one aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, which was refitted based on an unfinished Russian-made carrier and delivered to the Chinese Navy on Sept. 25, 2012.

The carrier's original design allows it to carry about 30 fixed-wing aircraft.

The Liaoning has conducted successful take-off and landing tests of its carrier-borne J-15 fighters, the main strike force of China's carrier group.

Absolute loyalty

On Thursday, Xi visited the Shenyang Military Area Command, stressing the CPC command in order to "ensure the military's absolute loyalty, purity and credibility" and their firm obedience to the command of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC "at any time and under any circumstances."

The president called for an improved PLA work style and a tackling of problems brought about by formality, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance.

The military should also support local economic growth, helping poor people and assisting educational, medical, environmental and rural development, Xi said.

He called for the integration of military and civilian resources, and stressed the army's leading role in the ongoing relief work for northeast China's floods, in order to protect people's life and property.

He also emphasized the troops' security role to ensuring the smooth operation of China's 12th National Games, which opens on Saturday.