A J-15 fighter is seen on the deck of China's aircraft carrier.. [File photo]

"China has huge sea territories that include about 7,000 islands and 14,000 kilometers of coastline, so we will need at least three carriers to protect the sea resources," Li said.

The nation's first carrier, refitted from former Ukraine vessel Varyag, left port on August 10 last year for its first sea trials and since then has regularly been tested in both the Yellow and Bohai seas.

The carrier will be equipped with a defense system able to launch attacks on missiles, aircraft and approaching vessels, said Song Zhongping, a military commentator.

The carrier will also use a Chinese radar system.

China's J-15 fighters would probably be used on the carrier. Many photos have shown the plane on the carrier's deck.