The first aircraft carrier China has built is now undergoing sea trials

REUTERS/Stringer

China's first domestically developed aircraft carrier departs Dalian, Liaoning province, May 2018.

• China's first domestically made aircraft carrier began sea trials on Sunday.
• The Type 001A carrier is testing its power system ahead of entering service later this year.
• The carrier is only China's second after it retrofitted a ship bought from Ukraine in 1998.

China's first domestically made aircraft carrier began sea trials on Sunday.

The Type 001A carrier left its port in the northeastern city of Dalian is undergoing tests of its power system, according to state-run media outlet Xinhua. Further tests are expected to check radar and communication systems as well a leakage.

The ship, which is conventionally powered, has reportedly had weapons and other systems fitted since it was launched last year. It is expected to enter service later in 2018, a year ahead of schedule.

China's first carrier, Liaoning, was a second-hand ship purchased in 1998 from Ukraine. The new ship is an upgrade to the Soviet-era carrier and will be able to carry 35 aircraft.

The China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) previously confirmed that a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is being developed and expected by 2025.