Boon for navy, security for nation

The addition of an old aircraft carrier, Varyag, to China's navy has evoked mixed responses from the international community, with some countries interpreting it as a threat. The truth is that the development of China's navy, including the acquiring of the aircraft carrier, is aimed at defending the country's sovereignty and maritime interests and maintaining regional and world peace and stability.

Among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and emerging powers such as Brazil, China is the last to commission an aircraft carrier. Nine countries, including India and Thailand, own the 20 aircraft carriers that are in service across the world, and some others are expediting their efforts to build more.

The Unites States Navy intends to replace the Nimitz-class carriers with Ford-class super-carriers by 2015. The British Royal Navy is building two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers to replace the Invincible-class warships by 2020. And countries like Russia, France and India have renewed their aircraft carrier programs.