China launches new generation aircraft carrier

China on Friday launched its third aircraft carrier, the first such ship to be both designed and built entirely within the country.

State media reports said the 003 new-generation aircraft carrier christened Fujian left its dry-dock at a shipyard in Shanghai in the morning and tied up at a nearby pier.

State broadcaster CCTV showed assembled Navy personnel standing beneath the massive ship as water jets sprayed over its deck and multi-colored streamers flew and colorful smoke was released.

The launch comes as China seeks to extend the range and power of its navy.

Equipped with the latest weaponry and aircraft-launch technology, the ship's capabilities are thought to rival those of Western carriers, as Beijing seeks to turn its navy, already the world's largest, into a multi-carrier force.