A special editorial report on April 26, 2017, by Global Times reporter Liu Jianxi based on an interview with Zhang Xiaojun, a military expert based in Beijing, described the second aircraft carrier designed and built exclusively by China as a milestone in China's naval and national defense construction. Observing that "aircraft carriers are of vital importance for China's maritime security", and added they äre an "essential strategic tool" and "the vessels are an effective show of deterrent force". It said after they are "put into service, the aircraft carrier strike group will have strong maritime and overland strike capabilities. With stronger defense, the two carriers cover a larger area, and this will help deter aggression in possible armed conflicts".  It said "Regarding geopolitical significance, aircraft carriers will help deter potential provocative actions against China. Take Japan as an example. As a neighbor that invaded China in the past, it will be more concerned about China's military strength and be deterred from the impulse of waging a war against China after the aircraft carrier is put into service. Such deterrence will give China more time to focus on its domestic economic development and improving people's livelihood". However it acknowledged that "China's new vessel still lags behind its US counterparts. Washington's dominant maritime hegemony in the region can hardly be altered even if our new carrier is put into service". It also said that "it is completely normal for a major power like China to design and build its own aircraft carrier. Other Asian countries, for instance, India, are also developing their own carriers. There is no need to make a fuss about China's military advancement", clarifying that "Beijing will not randomly use force in maritime disputes. Instead of flexing military muscles to threaten others, China will spare no effort to promote bilateral negotiations to resolve disputes. It is unnecessary for regional countries to be too concerned about Beijing's increasing military strength".