The Shandong aircraft carrier is moored at a naval port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
* Beijing claimed that the 50,000-tonne vessel had completed a series of drills
* Footage shows the ship launching live ammunition to blow up enemy targets
* China-US tensions have escalated over Washington's arms sales to Taiwan
* The Communist regime has vowed to 'take necessary measures' in retaliation
China has claimed that its second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, is now military ready after soldiers carried out a series of live-fire drills.
The country's state broadcaster this week released a dramatic video, which shows the 50,000-tonne warship launching ammunition to blow up enemy targets during an exercise.
Beijing's show of military might comes as tensions have heightened between China and the United States after Washington approved two sales of weapon and defence systems worth around $4.2billion (£3.25billion) to Taiwan.
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Update #1: China's second aircraft carrier ready to go to South China Sea to deter trouble-makers: expert (Global Times)
Update #2: Chinese Navy Type 002 Shandong aircraft carrier continues to strengthen the research of tactics and training methods (Navy Recognition)
WNU Editor:
China's third aircraft carrier is taking shape .... China’s third aircraft carrier takes shape, with ambitions to challenge U.S. naval dominance (Washington Post)).