In another development, observers said the Navy will soon start sea trials of China's second aircraft carrier, the first that is designed domestically. Military fans have published many pictures on Chinese internet forums of what they said were the final preparations at a shipyard in Dalian, Liaoning province.

According to the military, the new carrier has a displacement of around 50,000 metric tons and a conventional propulsion system. It will use a ramp to launch fixed-wing aircraft and will carry J-15 fighters and other aircraft.