China to develop plan for aircraft carriers

China officially launches its second -- and the first domestically developed -- aircraft carrier on Apr 26, 2017, in Dalian, Liaoning province. [Photo/Xinhua]

China will decide how it develops the country's aircraft carriers and the supporting facilities according to mission needs, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

China will make an overall plan for the development of carriers and key supporting infrastructures such as harbors and training and logistic facilities, ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said.

Yang's comments follow the launch of China's second aircraft carrier which is the country's first domestic-made carrier. Yang said that the name of the carrier will be revealed when the vessel is officially handed over to the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Yang also invited United States Defense Secretary James Mattis and other senior US military officials to visit China as soon as possible at both nations' convenience.

"China is willing to work constructively with the US in risk management and settle differences, and willing to continue increasing mutual trust of both militaries," he said.

When asked about the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Yang said that the current situation is "complicated and sensitive".

"China has done much constructive work in maintaining peace and promoting dialogue," he said.

Yang said China resolutely opposes the deployment of the Thermal High Attitude Air Defense system in the Republic of Korea, and will "continue to conduct specific combat drills and test new weapons to defend China's national security and regional peace".