
In 1999, launched 11 years and 8 years after cessation, "Varyag" aircraft carrier ready to emigrate to China. Requirements of the buyer before departure, marked a clear position in the bow about to settle down the Newport name. Therefore, in the "Varyag" next to his name, appeared in English "Saint" words (Saint is St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean Islands, the capital.) Meanwhile, Ukraine and China has developed through its Black Sea, the Bosphorus, the Mediterranean and the Dardanelles on the route. However, when ready to set sail when the ban came from Turkey, "Varyag" was a telegram through the Bosporus Strait.
The late 20th century, 90, with the Russian Black Sea naval combat force in the weakening of Turkey despite the relevant provisions of the Convention on the International Law of the Sea, began to strengthen the Bosphorus on the past, restrictions on foreign vessels, especially for the Russian Navy restrictions.
Turkey is too large to ship, other vessels of the Bosphorus normal navigation refuses to "Varyag" was adopted. Discerning the true background is clear: Turkey has been the US-led NATO from the country's political pressure. As soon as possible to join NATO, Turkey must take concrete action to meet the various requirements of NATO. As a result, China and Turkey began a year and a half years of negotiations.
During the negotiations, Turkey believes that even if China promised to abide by the provisions of the 20 pre-sea precautions, "Varyag" number of other ships within the strait level of threat can only be reduced 60% -70%. To ensure that the aircraft passed the Bosphorus, will command the maritime sector in Turkey suspended all vessels, the use of seven tugs and fire rescue to provide protection. Turkey also requires that all support vessels, must be installed to provide communications equipment from Turkey, sailed the ship all the lighting equipment open to all possible security risks. For the demanding requirements of Turkey, China agreed to arrange two million each year for tourists in Turkey, as compensation. But this condition was Turkey's refusal. China promised to deliver $ 1,000,000,000 bond under the premise allowed "Varyag" was through the Bosporus Strait.
November 1, 2001, "Varyag" aircraft carrier passed the 32 km long, wide and 650-3300 m, 30-120 m deep Bosphorus. In Europe and Asia up to 2800 meters through the connection of the Bosphorus Bridge, the 16 pilots and 250 sailors (experts) participated in the "Varyag" aircraft of the escort work.
Through the Bosphorus Strait, the "Varyag" aircraft smoothly through the Dardanelles into the Aegean Sea on November 3. In the Aegean, "Varyag" was facing unprecedented turmoil. Due to the storm is large, it connected with the three tugboats have been Guaduan streamer. "Varyag" was like a runaway horse, lost control of the sea, rampage. At the time, "Varyag" aircraft carrier has three Russian sailors, three Ukrainian sailors and a Filipino sailor. Make every effort to rescue the sailors, "Kuznetsov" aircraft carrier. The staff shortage, coupled with the sea breeze is too large, "Varyag" aircraft carrier run aground in Greece Aiwei La Island Shoal.
Greek maritime rescue helicopter quickly arrived and rescued the seven sailors. At this time, "Varyag" aircraft into unmanned actually "empty nest." Finally, three tugboats and a Greek ship to live with a fixed towing "Varyag" was finally brought under control of the aircraft carrier.
7 sailors return to their "Varyag" aircraft carrier, so it continues easterly course. Gibraltar from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic Ocean, from the West around the African continent. December 11, 2001, "Varyag" aircraft passing through Africa's Cape of Good Hope, across the Indian Ocean. February 5, 2002, "Varyag" aircraft carrier into the Strait of Malacca, and then entered the South China Sea. After 627 days and nights, March 4, 2002, "Varyag" aircraft carrier finally arrived at the end of the voyage - China's Dalian port. In order to "Varyag" aircraft carrier to complete this extraordinary voyage, China spent a total of about 3,000 million U.S. dollars.