China’s aircraft carrier begins second sea trial

China's first aircraft carrier Varyag has begun its second sea trial to carry out relevant scientific and research experiments amidst maritime disputes in the Asia-Pacific region.

The refitted aircraft carrier completed its first sea trial in August 2011 and returned to the shipyard to undergo further refurbishment and testing.

The 304.5m-long and 37m-wide vessel belongs to the Admiral Kuznetsov class of aircraft carrier and has a displacement capacity of 58,500t.

A former Soviet-era aircraft carrier, it is an upgraded version of a partially built vessel purchased from Ukraine in 1998 and is designed for training and research purposes.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy has plans to use the carrier as a research and training platform in China.