China’s first aircraft carrier is no longer such a mystery. The chief of staff of China’s army, Chen Bingde, said to Xin Jing News that, “It is under construction. I will tell you more details after the work is done.” Chen’s statement has attracted great attention. This is the first time that construction of China’s first aircraft carrier has been confirmed by authorities.

“Varyag is an unclassified military secrete because we nearly know everything about it” claimed The Guardian. The carrier is second largest in the world. Though it is smaller than the US Navy’s Nimitz, its 302-meter deck defeats France’s Charles de Gaulle (261.5 meters) and Britain’s Royal Invincible (194 meters).

Chinese Navy could launch its first oceanic test this year. The renewed Varyag is said to be renamed as Shi Lang, after an admiral who conquered Taiwan in 1688. But some voices have suggested that the name Shi Lang has aggressive connotations. It may not be suitable for the currently warming relationship across the Taiwan Strait. Navy leaders recently recommended an alternate name, Sak Deng-bing, after a navy general during the Qing Dynasty and Republican era, as well as after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Beijing wants the name to be symbolic of a cultural bond, rather than weapon against the island.

Jane’s Defense Weekly, a digest of military and corporate affairs, recently disclosed some technical details about the carrier. An Ukrainian defense corporation is responsible for the carrier’s power system. But China has installed its new generation Active Phased Array Radar and surface-to-air missile, both of which are more advanced than the original Russian version. The Marine Air Force has been equipped smaller size air fighters, which expand the delivering capacity from 30 to 50. It is also reported that the carrier pilots have been sent to Ukrainian training schools since 2008.