The first aircraft carrier of China, the Liangning, completed a 25-day experimental test and berthed in a military port in Qingdao on July 3. The voyage tested and certified China's first batch of carrier-based pilots and commanders, showing that the country has the capability to cultivate its own elites in this field, according to Xinhuanet.com.

During the voyage that started from June 9, pilots of the Shengyan J-15 experienced a drill of consecutive takeoffs and landings after the first short-distance takeoff on board.

"China has explored a path for cultivating battle plane pilots and a successful pilot training system," said Zhang Yongyi, chief director of the voyage and the deputy commander of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Edited by Michael Thai, Li Xiaoliang and Gao Yuan