China’s first domestically-built aircraft carrier 001A hits the water

China launched its first domestically constructed aircraft carrier Wednesday morning in northeast China's Dalian shipyard in Liaoning Province.

The new carrier was transferred from a dry dock into the water at a launch ceremony that started at about 9 a.m. in Dalian shipyard of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corp. (CSIC).

Launch ceremony of China's first home-built aircraft carrier 001A in Dalian, Liaoning Province on Apr. 26, 2017. [Photo: CCTV]

It is China's second aircraft carrier, coming after the Liaoning, a refitted Soviet Union-made carrier that was put into commission in the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in 2012.

China began building its second carrier in November 2013. Dock construction started in March 2015.

Launch ceremony of China's first home-built aircraft carrier 001A in Dalian, Liaoning Province on Apr. 26, 2017. [Photo: CCTV]

The main body of the carrier has been completed, with equipment of the the major systems installed.

Putting the carrier into water marked progress in China's efforts to design and build a domestic aircraft carrier.

Launch ceremony of China's first home-built aircraft carrier 001A in Dalian, Liaoning Province on Apr. 26, 2017. [Photo: CCTV]

After the launch, the new carrier will undergo equipment debugging, outfitting and comprehensive mooring trials.

The launch ceremony was attended by Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, as well as leaders of the PLA Navy and the CSIC.