U.S. military keeping eye on China’s first aircraft carrier

WASHINGTON — The chief of U.S. forces in the Pacific says the successful deployment of China’s first aircraft carrier would have a significant impact on the perception of the balance of power in the region.

Adm. Robert Willard told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that sea trials of the vessel could begin as early as this summer.

He said there would be a long period of training, development and exercises before the carrier becomes operational.

But Willard said its setting sail would be symbolically significant to U.S. allies and partners in the region, given the “remarkable growth” of China’s military.

The admiral also said submarine fleets in the region were proliferating as China’s had grown.