www.atimes.com -- Beijing's low-key launch of its first aircraft carrier on Wednesday was aimed at allaying fears of the United States and regional neighbors over the vessel's impact on the balance of power in the Pacific. However, even Chinese officials admit the as-yet-unnamed craft remains a warship at its heart.Labeled a "scientific research and training" vessel by Beijing, the craft is the result of years long retrofitting of the Soviet-era, Ukrainian-built Varyag. It is expected to be the named the Shi Lang after a 17th-century admiral who reclaimed Taiwan for the

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