China's military gets boost with huge new transport plane

China's first homegrown large military transport aircraft has entered service, with the country's Defense Ministry calling it "a crucial step" in air power projection. The Y-20, with a maximum takeoff weight of about 200 tons, officially joined the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in a ceremony Wednesday in the southwestern city of Chengdu, the ministry said in a statement. Designed to

transport cargo and people over long distances in challenging weather, the Y-20 -- powered by four turbofan engines -- is reportedly capable of flying 4,500 kilometers with a full load. Its range would extend to almost 8,000 kilometers when carrying 40 tons of freight.

The plane goes into service as the PLA eyes a greater role overseas.

The plane is part of a massive program to modernize China's armed forces, the world's largest, which includes the development of aircraft carriers, anti-satellite missiles and stealth fighters.

Nicknamed "Chubby Girl" because of its huge size, the plane goes into service as the PLA eyes a greater international role -- with China building its first overseas military base in Djibouti.

However, China's neighbors, as well as Washington, are watching warily, with Beijing becoming more assertive in its stance on the South China Sea and other territorial disputes.