Debut Delayed For Shi Lang

Sea trials for the new Chinese aircraft carrier have been delayed.

"As this is our first aircraft carrier, it's not abnormal that the vessel encounters certain problems. That's why we have never formally announced any timetable for its trial navigation," an unidentified Chinese military official told the paper. He added that the problems the vessel were not serious and will not affect future operations.

"We have exercised extreme caution in dealing with technical details as we want the ship to make its debut in the best possible shape. We don't want it to go wrong on its maiden cruise," he added.

He said that while Chinese authorities provisionally plan to have the carrier conduct its first trial voyage in August, no definite date has been picked.

"Many factors could affect the timing, including weather condition and general international atmosphere," the official said.

A weapon system officially morphs into a political symbol when "general international atmosphere" becomes a spoken condition for systems testing. Whether trials are next month or get delayed again, no one expects the Shi Lang to be operational until late next year, at the earliest.