Chinese navy talent drive fuels carrier buzz
No further information was available on Tuesday when the Global Times contacted the Navy to ask if the training of talents has anything to do with the potential development of China's first aircraft carrier.
Li Jie, a researcher at the Chinese Naval Research Institute, told the Global Times on Tuesday that a large-scale naval surface force mainly refers to heavy-tonnage vessels including cruisers, amphibious assault ships, destroyers and aircraft carriers.
"Dock landing ships are the most common ones in the current navy's fleet," Li said.
"China's future development of an aircraft carrier can't be ruled out," he said.
Liu Yong, from the China Security magazine, told the Global Times that the enhancing of human resources is aimed at paving the way for the future development of an aircraft carrier as part of a systematic project, which requires experienced pilots and commanders.
Chinese military officials have kept a tight lid on information related to the development of an aircraft carrier.
Geng Yansheng, a spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, told reporters in March while unveiling China's military white paper that no relevant information was available on the subject.
In January 2010, the ministry dismissed rumors China was building a carrier.
But reports alleging that China's first aircraft carrier would take to the ocean for its initial sea trial in July have continued to circulate.
Li said the Chinese military is being cautious in revealing information, and recent announcements of a personnel training plan seemed to be another sign that authorities were releasing information updates at a carefully designed pace.
Liu said it is understandable for China to keep cautious on revealing information on its first aircraft carrier.
