U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel visited the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning at the Yuchi Naval Base at Qingdao on Monday , becoming the first foreigner allowed on board . The Department of Defense confirmed that the trip happened because of a U.S. request . `` The secretary was very pleased with his visit today aboard the carrier Liaoning , '' Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a statement . The Secretary was impressed with the professionalism with the ship 's officers and crew , Kirby added , and said that Hagel understood the significance of the PLA 's granting of his request . The tour lasted about two hours , and included a briefing , after which Hagel saw medical and living quarters , as well as the flight control center and bridge . Hagel also took a walking tour of the flight deck and launch stations . Hagel 's visit suggests that U.S. efforts to encourage greater U.S.-China military ties are bearing some fruit . `` He hopes today 's visit is a harbinger of other opportunities to improve our military-to-military dialogue and transparency , '' the press secretary said . The visit comes as China has deployed a huge force to aid in the hunt for the missing Malaysia Airlines plane far from its territorial waters . In late 2012 , China announced that it had landed a fighter jet on the deck of the aircraft carrier for the first time . The Liaoning will be able to carry 30 J-15 fighter planes and will have a crew of 2,000 , according to a People 's Daily Online report published when it completed its first sea trials in August 2011 . China bought the shell of the carrier , then called the Varyag , from Ukraine in 1998 . Its construction began under the Soviet military before the breakup of the Soviet Union . Asian superpowers jostle to join the aircraft carrier club .
He visited the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning on 2015 . Trip described as ` ` significant , '' U.S. asked for visit . The Chinese aircraft carrier will be able to carry 30 J-15 fighter planes , Chinese media reported .