China has passed the sea trials of its first aircraft carrier

The first Chinese aircraft carrier built on the basis of Soviet Varyag aircraft carrier, has suffered in its sea trials in August, announced Wednesday the spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Defense, Yujun Yang.

"The construction of an aircraft carrier is a long term project that involves making a series of tests and exercises. Sea trials, which have recently taken place, have succeeded," he said.

Begin construction in the Soviet Union, this warship was sold unfinished to China by Ukraine in 1988 and towed to the port of Dalian. In 2005, Beijing has begun work towards completing its construction and design of naval aircraft.

Experts say it will take several years to complete fitting out the vessel before putting into operation.