2nd Ld-Writethru: China launches second aircraft carrier

China launched its second aircraft carrier Wednesday morning in a Dalian shipyard in Liaoning Province, northeast China.

The new carrier, the first developed and built by China, was transferred from a dry dock into water at a launch ceremony that started at about 9 a.m. in Dalian shipyard of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.

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.

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

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

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

The launch ceremony, including a performance of the national anthem, ribbon cutting, breaking of a champagne bottle on the bow, and steam whistles from ships nearby, was attended by Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, as well as leaders of the PLA Navy and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Endi