IN THE WORKS: China's first aircraft carrier had undergone more than 10 years of refitting and  sea trials in Dalian, Liaoning Province, before it entered into service on September 25 (XINHUA)	NAVAL COMMAND: Zhang Zheng (left), Captain of theLiaoning, and Mei Wen, the vessel's political commissar (ZHA CHUNMING)

But Du Wenlong, a researcher with the PLA's Academy of Military Science, said that refitting an imported carrier for research and training is like writing a draft for an article.

"The draft might be totally deleted in the future, but its value for reference is irreplaceable," Du said, adding that the most valuable use of the refitted carrier is to help the PLA build a carrier battle group and learn how to use such vessels.

Many high-ranking military officers have suggested China build more aircraft carriers based on the country's economic strength.

"China will need at least three aircraft carriers," said Xu Xiaoyan, a PLA lieutenant general, in March.

At the September 27 press conference, Yang said that China will plan the development of aircraft carriers based on its economic and social development and national defense needs. He dismissed foreign media reports saying China is building a second aircraft carrier in Shanghai to be launched later this year.

Combat effectiveness

Though the Liaoning has been commissioned, Li Jie, a researcher at the China Navy Military Academy and a senior colonel, said that it would not be combat ready until 2017.

"Normally, it takes three years for an aircraft carrier to be commissioned after its first sea trial and another five to eight years to be able to enter combat," Li said. "An aircraft carrier cannot conduct missions alone, but needs protection and support from a fleet including frigates, destroyers and cruisers. Some submarines are also necessary for scouting and anti-submarine tasks."

A U.S. aircraft carrier is normally accompanied by two missile cruisers, two frigates, two nuclear-driven submarines and a depot ship.

When asked to confirm reports that the PLA Navy will create an aircraft carrier formation in the future and build an aircraft carrier base in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao, Shandong Province, Yang told reporters that China will study the issue in accordance with the development and needs of the aircraft carrier.

Yang also revealed that China is developing carrier-borne aircraft based on domestically built planes for which the country has independent intellectual property rights, and relevant procedures are moving forward as scheduled.

Hu Siyuan, a professor at the NDU, was quoted by the Shanghai Daily as saying that the Liaoning's accompanying warships might include China's newly developed 052D missile destroyers and Jiang Kai-II frigates. The destroyer is equipped with a 130-mm caliber cannon and has two vertical launch systems to set off Redflag-9B missiles, and the frigate has a helicopter pad. The No.88 ship that accompanied the aircraft carrier during its sea trials is expected to be its depot ship.

China's J-15 fighters, which analysts say are match for U.S. F-18 Hornet fighters, would probably be used on the carrier. Many photographs have been published showing the plane on the carrier's deck.

Personnel training is also vital for Liaoning's combat capacity, according to military experts.

The carrier reportedly has more than 1,000 officers and sailors onboard, with women accounting for 5 percent. More than 98 percent of the crew hold bachelor's degrees and more than 50 of them have master's or doctoral degrees.

But Yin Zhuo, Director of the Expert Consultation Committee of the PLA Navy, said that operating an aircraft carrier is no easy task. "Maintenance staff have to learn to maneuver around limited space to repair or refuel the aircraft. And for the command staff, it is a tough task to master the operations of all the aircraft on deck, and it takes time to build a well-coordinated team around the carrier," he said.