China for the first time reveals aircraft carrier plan

• The Chinese government has for the first time officially revealed that it has launched a programme to build an aircraft carrier, an already widely-known project that has recently stirred debate over China's naval intentions and capabilities.
• A report released this year by the State Oceanic Administration said China's progress had even been quicker than expected, with the first Chinese-made carrier set to be ready in 2014, a year ahead of the schedule.
• On Friday, Japan announced a new defence policy, its first since 2004, which warned of a growing military threat to the international community from China, and indicated that Japan would strengthen security arrangements around disputed islands.
• The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday strongly hit out at the defence policy. "A certain country has no right to act as a representative of the international community and make irresponsible remarks on China's development"