Lai Yijun is the captain of the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong. Photo: Handout
SCMP: The English-speaking commander of China’s newest aircraft carrier the Shandong
* Lai Yijun has a major in missiles and a reputation for stepping up when it counts
* English is an important requirement as the PLA Navy strives to be considered an international force
The captain of China’s newly commissioned aircraft carrier first made his international mark more than a decade ago.
Lai Yijun stepped in to take command of the guided-missile frigate Lianyungang during a multilateral live-fire naval exercise in Pakistan in 2007 when the vessel’s top officer fell sick.
It was the first exercise of its kind for the People’s Liberation Army Navy and involved warships from nine countries, including the United States, Britain, France and Italy.
Under Lai’s command, the Chinese frigate was one of the best performers in a competition to hit a surface target.
He was later promoted to commander of a frigate division in the East Sea Fleet.
Now Lai, who graduated from the PLA’s Dalian Naval Academy with a major in missiles, is at the helm of the Shandong, the first aircraft carrier built in China.
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WNU Editor: Not surprised that he speaks English, The adoption of English by many Chinese is a cultural and language shift that is under-reported in the West.
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