This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-asia-pacific-13692558
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Chinese general confirms aircraft carrier plans | Chinese general confirms aircraft carrier plans |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| The chief of China's General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has confirmed that China's first aircraft carrier is under construction. | |
| Gen Chen Bingde refused to say when the carrier - a remodelled vessel from Ukraine, the Varyag - would be ready. | |
| A member of his staff said the carrier would pose no threat to other nations. | A member of his staff said the carrier would pose no threat to other nations. |
| Gen Chen also told the Chinese-language Hong Kong Commercial Daily newspaper that citizens of the former British colony could join the PLA. | Gen Chen also told the Chinese-language Hong Kong Commercial Daily newspaper that citizens of the former British colony could join the PLA. |
| "The aircraft carrier is under construction now," said Gen Chen, a member of the Central Military Commission. | "The aircraft carrier is under construction now," said Gen Chen, a member of the Central Military Commission. |
| Observers have previously photographed what is believed to be the Varyag and the state-controlled People's Daily has previously reported that work is being carried out on the vessel. | Observers have previously photographed what is believed to be the Varyag and the state-controlled People's Daily has previously reported that work is being carried out on the vessel. |
| The Hong Kong newspaper quoted anonymous sources saying they expect it to be launched by the end of this month. | The Hong Kong newspaper quoted anonymous sources saying they expect it to be launched by the end of this month. |
| Lt Gen Qi Jianguo, assistant chief of the general staff, told the paper that even after the aircraft carrier is deployed, it will "definitely not sail to other countries' territory waters". | Lt Gen Qi Jianguo, assistant chief of the general staff, told the paper that even after the aircraft carrier is deployed, it will "definitely not sail to other countries' territory waters". |
| "It would have been better for us if we acted sooner in understanding the oceans and mapping out our blue-water capabilities earlier. | "It would have been better for us if we acted sooner in understanding the oceans and mapping out our blue-water capabilities earlier. |
| "We are now facing heavy pressure in the oceans whether in the South China Sea, East China Sea, Yellow Sea or the Taiwan Straits," he said, referring to waters where China is engaged in territorial disputes with neighbouring nations. | |
| However he said China had always followed a "defensive" principle for its military strategy. | However he said China had always followed a "defensive" principle for its military strategy. |
| Hong Kong welcome | Hong Kong welcome |
| In another first, General Chen said he would welcome Hongkongers joining its ranks. | In another first, General Chen said he would welcome Hongkongers joining its ranks. |
| Lt Gen Qi added that allowing Hong Kong recruits to join the PLA would be feasible "if the Hong Kong government resolves the legal issues". | Lt Gen Qi added that allowing Hong Kong recruits to join the PLA would be feasible "if the Hong Kong government resolves the legal issues". |
| The mainland's Military Service Law is not part of the Basic Law, the constitution agreed during the handover from British to Chinese rule. | The mainland's Military Service Law is not part of the Basic Law, the constitution agreed during the handover from British to Chinese rule. |
| Analysts doubted whether Hong Kong people would fit in with the PLA ethos; others suggested thought should be given to forming an auxiliary force. | Analysts doubted whether Hong Kong people would fit in with the PLA ethos; others suggested thought should be given to forming an auxiliary force. |
| The Chinese army provokes ambivalent reactions among people in Hong Kong. Some recall its role in crushing pro-democracy demonstrations in Tianamen Square in 1989. | The Chinese army provokes ambivalent reactions among people in Hong Kong. Some recall its role in crushing pro-democracy demonstrations in Tianamen Square in 1989. |
| Others have welcomed its largely invisible presence in Hong Kong since it replaced British troops stationed in Hong Kong until 1997. | Others have welcomed its largely invisible presence in Hong Kong since it replaced British troops stationed in Hong Kong until 1997. |