China lands jet on Liaoning carrier

China has announced the first jet landing on its maiden aircraft carrier the Liaoning, Financial Times reported, citing the country’s Ministry of Defense. The successful touchdown marked “a crucial step” in the carrier’s development, the ministry said. The J-15 fighter jet took off from and returned to the Soviet-built carrier, which launched two months ago. “Capabilities of the carrier platform and the J-15 have been tested, meeting all requirements and achieving good compatibility,” state-run Xinhua reported. The test flight came amid increasing territorial tensions between China and its neighbors. China says that it has developed the aircraft carrier to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Disputes over islands in the East and South China seas have recently marred diplomatic relations with a handful of country’s including Japan and Vietnam.