China officially launched its second -- and the first self-developed -- aircraft carrier Wednesday morning in Dalian, Liaoning province.

General Fan Changlong, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, participated in the launching ceremony at the Dalian shipyard of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation．

（Photo by CCTV)

The new carrier's name and hull code remain unknown as the Navy usually makes public such information when a ship is commissioned.

（Photo by CCTV)

At present, the PLA Navy operates a sole aircraft carrier, CNS Liaoning, which was originally a Soviet-era vessel and received an extensive refit at the same shipyard in Dalian, where the new carrier is being constructed, before going into service in September 2012.

（Photo by CCTV)

At the next stage, the carrier will kick off the outfitting process, according to news releases. During the outfitting stage, engineers and workers will complete the installation of the ship's power plant, engines, interior equipment and systems as well as weapons.