China flexes muscle at sea as new aircraft carrier starts trials

TOKYO -- China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, set out for its first sea trials on Wednesday, the latest milestone in Beijing's military buildup as tensions simmer in both the East and South China seas.

The vessel, which is equipped with advanced electromagnetic catapults for launching fighter jets, left Shanghai's Jiangnan Shipyard at about 8 a.m., Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. The goal, it said, is to test the carrier's propulsion and electrical systems.