China's aircraft carrier for peace and stability

China's first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, was officially handed over to the navy on Sept 25. It is an important, but normal, step in China's construction of its navy, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

China developed its aircraft carrier by no means to show its muscle but to maintain regional stability and world peace.

China has 18,000 km of coast and more than 3 million square km of territorial sea. The increasing threat from non-traditional elements like terrorism and piracy also require China to have its aircraft carrier to ensure the security of its transportation in the sea.

As a responsible country in the international community and the only one among five permanent members of the United Nations' Security Council that had no aircraft carriers before, China will have a greater potential and ability to contribute to world peace and development with its aircraft carrier.

China will exercise a series of scientific research missions and military drills with its first aircraft carrier and will not send it into battle with the countries that have disputes with China over islands and waters. So it is unjustified to label it as China's new threat. Not all aircraft carriers are used to fight. China's national defense policies are of a defensive nature, which will not change as Liaoning begins its service.

In history, China was the world's strongest sea power. But China has never used its power to conquer or even threaten any other country.

The aircraft carrier further consolidates China's resolution to continue its peaceful development. China will necessarily shoulder more responsibility in the world in the future.