China's first aircraft carrier in service

China's first aircraft carrier has entered into service, following a ceremony attended by President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao in Dalian, Liaoning Province.

The 300m (990ft) Liaoning - named after the province where it was refitted - is a refurbished Soviet ship purchased from Ukraine. For now the carrier has no operational aircraft and will be used for training.

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