Chinese media, citing the Shandong media organization, name the aircraft carrier “The Shandong”, but the country’s Defense Ministry has not officially confirmed‍ the name. ‍

The report, which says China’s first indigenous aircraft carrier is now “taking shape”, also includes a “construction timetable.”

The timetable starts with “February 2014” and ends with “November 2016.” But the stages of construction the dates relate to are not specified.

There has been no official confirmation on the accuracy of the report.

In a regular news briefing given on November 30 last year, Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun declined to give a timetable on the construction of the aircraft carrier, in response to reports saying it had entered the stage of painting and could be launched as early as mid-December.

The remarks came a month after spokesman Wu Qian confirmed that China is building its first indigenous aircraft carrier.

“The design and manufacturing of the first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier of China is pressing ahead according to plan. Currently, the overall design has completed and the bulk has taken its shape in the dock. Equipment and facility installation and outfitting - installation of the ship gears and cabin equipment - are being conducted,” Wu told reporters. 

The country's first aircraft carrier, The Liaoning, entered service in 2012.

Earlier this month, a group of Chinese warships, led by The Liaoning, tested weapons and equipment in the South China Sea. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described it as a routine exercise that complied with international law.