Aircraft carrier Liaoning begins 1st long-distance training

The aircraft carrier has conducted 10 sea trials since August 2011. Photos by Li Tang / for China Daily

China's first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, started a long-distance training mission as part of a fleet to areas near South China Sea, the military said Tuesday.

In a brief report posted on the official military website www.chinamil.com.cn, it said the aircraft carrier left its first home port in East China's Qingdao in the morning for South China Sea, along with missile destroyers Shenyang and Shijiazhuang, as well as guided missile frigates Yantan and Weifang.

It is the first time that Liaoning is taking part in a long-distance training mission along different regions, the report said.

Observers also noted that it is the first time that the military arranged a fleet for the Liaoning mission.

It was unclear which route the fleet will take to reach South China Sea and how long the mission will take.

After being commissioned in September 2012, Liaoning underwent a series of sea trials and tests, including landings and take-offs for the J-15 fighter jet.

It is still in the scientific experiment and exercise stage, and the latest move is part of a routine arrangement, the report said.