Tang Xiaojing, 24, came under the spotlight recently in China after taking the helm of the country’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, becoming the second helmswoman to man the wheel of an aircraft carrier in the country.
Enlisted in the PLA Navy three years ago shortly after graduation, Tang, after rounds of selection, became a candidate to steer aircraft carriers. To be a helmsman is no joke: it takes hundreds of hours of hands-on training both in the classroom and behind the wheel to become fully qualified.
After three years of training in aircraft carrier expertise, numerous examinations, physical endurance, stress tests, and scores of successes and setbacks, she finally became a composed and seasoned helmsman who now takes the wheel of the 70,000-tonne aircraft carrier.
China unlike many other countries is training its young generation to take on more responsibilities as the country prepares for 2049 when it becomes a fully modernised country. Tang Xiaojing who is 24 now will be 51 years old by that time but with enough experience.
This is repeated in many important projects like space programs and medical fields as the government prepares young people to take over in future.
Source: CGTN, Forsige Asia.