Beijing: China’s new aircraft carrier is likely to serve in the South China Sea by the next Army Day (Sep 3), a military source has revealed. The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around 3,500,000 sq km. The vessel holds a symbolic meaning for China’s naval power image. Its participation is likely to strengthen the navy’s combat ability and deterrent force. (IANS)