China lands J-15 jet on Liaoning aircraft carrier

A Chinese-made J-15 fighter jet has landed on Beijing's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, officials have announced.

The jet fighter made the landing on the 300m (990ft) former Soviet carrier during recent exercises, which is China's first aircraft carrier and entered into service in September.

The J-15 can carry anti-ship, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles as well as precision-guided bombs, China's official news agency Xinhua reported, citing unnamed naval sources.

The successful landing allows Beijing to further project its military might in territorial disputes.

Named after the province where it was refitted, the Liaoning is a refurbished Soviet ship purchased from Ukraine.

China says the vessel, which has undergone extensive sea trials, will increase its capacity to defend state interests.

The development comes at a time when Japan and other countries in the region have expressed concern at China's growing naval strength.

China and Japan are embroiled in a row over disputed islands in the East China Sea.

Several South-east Asian nations are also at odds with China over overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The country's Communist leaders are spending billions modernising their armed forces so they can project military power far beyond China's borders.