Beijing: China, which is developing two more aircraft carriers, is building up a naval-aviation division to safeguard the country’s maritime interests amid escalating tensions over the disputed South China Sea. J-15s are the core jets for China’s aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, and other more advanced domestic carriers which are reportedly under construction. Last month, a UN-backed international tribunal struck down China’s claims over the South China Sea, saying Beijing has no “historic rights” in the disputed area. China commissioned its first aircraft carrier Liaoning in September 2012 and launched a specially designed J-15 fighter jets to operate from its deck. The development of navy’s aviation division came as Beijing strongly defended its claims over the disputed South China Sea (SCS) in the aftermath of international tribunal’s verdict striking down China’s claims over the area.

Source: Mint August 02, 2016 11:03 UTC