China launches first aircraft carrier to be designed and built in the country

The Fujian is the first aircraft carrier to be designed and built in China (Li Gang/Xinhua via AP)

Beijing launched a new-generation aircraft carrier on Friday, the first such ship to be both designed and built in China, in a milestone as it seeks to extend the range and power of its navy.

The Type 003 carrier named Fujian left its drydock at a shipyard outside Shanghai in the morning and tied up at a nearby pier, state media reports said.