‘Liaoning ship’s main systems and equipment feature

Yang Yujun, spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answered reporters' questions regarding China's first aircraft carrier "Liaoning Ship" at the regular press conference of the MND held on September 27, 2012 in Beijing.

Yang Yujun noted that China always adheres to the principle of independence and independent innovation in the development and construction of its military weaponry and equipment. The weaponry and equipment are developed and produced mainly by relying on China's own strength. All the systems and equipment of the "Liaoning Ship" of the Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) are independently manufactured and refitted by China. Aircraft carrier formation is generally composed of the aircraft carrier itself, surface escort ships, submarines and carrier-borne aircraft. The Chinese military will seriously study and explore the composition of aircraft carrier formation in practice according to actual needs as well as the development and construction of aircraft carriers.

When speaking of carrier-borne aircraft, Yang Yujun said that on the basis of home-made aircraft, China's carrier-borne aircraft is independently developed with complete independent intellectual property rights. Related work is being advanced as scheduled.

Yang Yujun said that the successful delivery and commission of the first aircraft carrier marks the great achievements in the development and construction of China's aircraft carriers, but it is only the first step China has taken in the development and construction of China's aircraft carriers. The development and construction of China's aircraft carriers still has a long way to go and great responsibilities to shoulder.

When referring to the expenditure on the construction of the "Liaoning Ship", Yang Yujun said such factors as financial capability as well as needs for national security and development have been given full consideration in the development and manufacturing of China's weaponry and equipment, and all the expenditure including the manufacture of "Liaoning Ship" is included in the budget for national defense expenditure.