HONG KONG, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- China is likely to launch its first aircraft carrier as early as next year, as the country seeks a larger military power on the high seas, according to a local news report on Tuesday.
Citing Richard Fisher, a Chinese military expert at the U.S International Assessment and Strategy Center, the Shanghai-based news provider Eastday, said the Varyag, a renovated vessel of a former Soviet aircraft carrier, is expected to make its maiden voyage between 2011 and 2012.
