China sails through 'first island chain' (4)

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"We should view China as a maritime state."

The Chinese navy has accumulated experience as a blue-water navy while protecting ships from around the globe in the pirate-plagued waters off Somalia, a task started in 2008 according to a UN resolution.

Beijing has also commissioned its first aircraft carrier.

President Xi Jinping vowed on Wednesday to protect China's maritime interests and be fully prepared for the complex issues in the region.

He made the pledge while chairing a group study session of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee to discuss a roadmap for China to become a maritime power.

"We love peace and will remain on a path of peaceful development, but that doesn't mean giving up our rights, especially those involving the nation's core interests," Xi said.

"China is growing into a global power and should have a navy that fits its status," said Wu Dahui from Tsinghua.

"The further our navy can go, the further we can push out the security threats."

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