Launch of carrier a momentous milestone

China's first carrier, CNS Liaoning, was rebuilt from a former Soviet cruiser. Its first totally home-built aircraft carrier, which was launched on Wednesday, relies on China's own research and technologies and it marks a new milestone in the modernizing of the Chinese navy.

Besides launch of its second aircraft carrier, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy has also disclosed a series of missions to be carried out this month, which are part of its long-term efforts to improve its combat readiness.

The launch of the first "home-made" aircraft carrier will give a significant boost to China's naval strength, and help safeguard the country's sovereign integrity, security, and development interests.