China Sends First Aircraft Carrier into Service

China sent its first aircraft carrier into formal service Tuesday, in the latest show of force against Japan amid tensions over disputed land. The dispute revolves around Japan’s purchasing islands in the East China Sea, which China considers its own. China has already postponed a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic ties with Japan. During talks with Japan on Tuesday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun said “China will never tolerate any bilateral actions by Japan that harm Chinese territorial sovereignty.” Still, some think that the carrier launch has nothing to do with the dispute. One expert said, “China is taking another step to boost its strategic naval capability.”