China building its own aircraft carrier

The deputy chief designer of China's aircraft carrier project suggested China was building its own carrier on Monday.

China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, refitted from a ship bought from the Ukraine, was delivered for training purposes to the People's Liberation Army in September.

Wu Xiaoguang, the designer, told Xinhua that more good news will come and they will not fail the people's expectations.

It's down to the country's needs as to how many carriers China should possess," said Wu, who is also a deputy to the 18th CPC National Congress, as quoted by Xinhua.

"What I can tell you is that Liaoning is only a start."

According to a report citing an unnamed senior Western military official, China can build its own carrier within 18 months with the assistance from Ukrainian experts.

Wu said China should rely on its own ability to ensure its due rights over the seas.

My election to be a deputy to the congress makes me feel strongly that the Party attaches great importance to defense technology and the defense industry."

J-15 carrier-based fighter aircraft have practiced take-off and landing on the Liaoning.

Recently, a fourth generation new prototype of the stealth fighter, the J-31, which experts said is suitable for aircraft carriers, also made its debut.