File photo: This photo taken on June 8 shows the imported aircraft carrier body has been refitted. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Chinese Defense Ministry has made the first official confirmation of an ongoing program that China is in pursuit of an imported aircraft carrier for refitting to be used for scientific research, experiment and training.

Geng Yansheng, the spokesman of the Chinese Defense Ministry made the announcement during a monthly news conference on July 27, 2011.

The Xinhua.net (XH) then had an exclusive interview with Navy Commodore Cao Weidong from the Naval Military Art Studies Institute of China, to discuss the latest move of the Chinese Defense Ministry.

XH: Why did we choose to refit an old carrier? What was the purpose of rebuilding the aircraft carrier?

Cao Weidong:：Any country has the right to build its own aircraft carrier, because it works in line with the nation's security needs, economic strength and scientific development. China has never had an aircraft carrier with a comprehensive naval platform; however, for the purpose of sea security, national maritime interests, world peace and stability, China now needs such a platform.

China is a country with large maritime resources. It has 18,000 km of coastline, and over 3 million square kilometers of maritime territory. Therefore we need to have an aircraft carrier to maintain maritimee security and safeguard national unity.

XH: We have noticed China is in pursuit of an old aircraft to refit, not building a complete new one. How do you see the difference between building a new one and refitting an old one?

Cao Weidong: Some countries, like the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Russia, build new aircraft carriers, while China is aiming to refit an old one. Refitting means adding some powerful engines and military equipment, making modifications and adding new construction over the used one, and then to reuse it afterwards.

At present, the purpose of buying an old aircraft carrier is solely aimed at scientific research and training. China has never had such a complex and comprehensive maritime platform; therefore, for the first time, it has to start from zero. The decision is also made out of consideration of China's current situation.

XH: Is there a long way for China to go from refitting to form its own maritime battle competence?

Cao Weidong: An aircraft carrier is a giant comprehensive platform. First it needs a powerful system、a weapons system、carrier-borne aircraft radar and communication equipment. To build these all, takes a long time. Besides, the carrier-borne aircraft is an important feature of an aircraft carrier.

The take-off and landing methods of an aircraft carrier are completely different from piloting a normal airplane which means pilots on an aircraft carrier need to get specially trained. Therefore, China cannot form a full battle competence in a short time.

XH: Does the refitting signal that China has transformed its naval development strategy?

Cao Weidong: No. First, any army serves its nation's interests and national defense strategy.

China firmly adheres to an offshore defense strategy as stated in the White Paper of the Chinese Defense Ministry. The Chinese aircraft carrier program is now at an experimental stage,and even if one day China creates a combat-worthy aircraft carrier, the national defense strategy will not be changed.

The refitting program therefore does not mean the transformation of China's naval military strategy but an important step in China's naval military modernization.