Starting today, CGTN begins a special series, "Red Star, Blue Water". We focus on the transformation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, as it marks the 70th anniversary. Over ten days, the series highlights strategy, capabilities, accomplishments and challenges. CGTN was given exclusive access to all three PLA Navy Fleets. In the first episode about Carrier Pilots, reporter Han Bin speaks with two generations of these pilots, to get what's behind the new strategy to put the right people in the cockpit.

It takes time and resources to make an aircraft carrier pilot. Only those with strong determination have a chance.

As China's carrier fleet expands, there's an urgent need for pilots. The navy is exploring ways to streamline the training process. Here at Huludao, cadets must pass final training before boarding a real carrier.

They train hard because their lives depend on it.

25-year-old Yuan Mingzheng has already logged 400 flying hours, but he says landing on a carrier simulator is still a big challenge.

The selection process is strict, through systematic study and simulator practice. 21-year-old Lu Xiangfeng is one of several hundred cadets enrolled. Making and flying model planes teaches them how a real fighter jet works.

Instructor Ding Yang is one of China's first-generation carrier pilots.

HAN BIN HULUDAO TRAINING BASE, LIAONING "This duplicate training deck of China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is used for take-off and landing, and for floating deck simulation in real combat situation. More extensive training is expected to take place from here, in line with the nation's carrier building strategy."

The carrier battle group concept is one new direction of the navy's development. The navy is building its own pilot reserve.

Lu Xiangfeng has one more year till graduation, proving so far he's got what it takes.

Yuan Mingzheng will soon take his final tests at Huludao. It's the last step to becoming one of the youngest carrier pilots. As one in the Academy's new generation of carrier pilots, his success means a lot for the cadets, and China's aircraft carrier strategy. Han Bin, CGTN.