China has unveiled plans for a big overhaul and expansion of its navy, in an unusually bold confirmation that its naval ambitions have started to reach far beyond its own shores.
Admiral Wu Shengli, the commander-in-chief of the People's Liberation Army Navy, said it would accelerate efforts to develop a new generation of warships, submarines, fighter aircraft and high-precision long-range missiles to counter the rise in non-conventional threats.
The remarks were published by state media yesterday, a week ahead of the navy's 60th anniversary, which some military observers believe will increase clarity over whether Beijing is building an aircraft carrier.