China’s navy has launched a new-generation frigate amid growing competition with the U.S. and other regional powers. The Chinese military has stated that the new ship will be crucial in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of its forces.
Although China currently boasts the world’s largest navy by hull count, its technological advancements are sometimes considered to be behind those of its main rival, the U.S. The U.S. Navy has expressed concerns that it could be outnumbered and has called for increased shipbuilding efforts and reforms to expedite the deployment of repaired vessels.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy primarily operates in waters off China’s eastern coast and in the strategically important South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. A key focus of the navy’s mission also includes providing support to the army in any potential military action against Taiwan, the self-governing island located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from the Chinese coast, which Beijing has pledged to annex by force if necessary.
The first Type 054B frigate, named Luohe, was officially commissioned on Wednesday in Qingdao, a port city in northern China that serves as the base for the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s northern fleet.
The ship has a displacement of around 5,000 tons and is equipped with advanced stealth technology, combat command systems, and integrated firepower, which the navy claims significantly boosts its overall performance.
With strong capabilities for a wide range of combat operations and military missions, the Luohe is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the combat effectiveness of China’s naval task forces.
The frigate’s weaponry includes various machine guns for close combat, as well as anti-air and anti-ship missiles. Some defense sources suggest that the Luohe could become the backbone of the Chinese navy.
While there was no official mention of future Type 054Bs, it is believed that at least two more have been launched, with another currently under construction. China’s navy currently operates around 234 warships, compared to the U.S. Navy’s 219, including about 50 frigates and an equal number of destroyers. China also has two active aircraft carriers, with a third undergoing sea trials, along with a powerful coast guard.
Recent military simulations have suggested that in a hypothetical conflict with the U.S., China’s navy would suffer significant vessel losses. However, it is believed that China could absorb these losses and continue fighting effectively.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has also expanded its operations beyond its borders, deploying ships to regions like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean as part of efforts to project China’s growing economic and diplomatic influence. Additionally, PLAN and Chinese coast guard vessels have conducted patrols in the East China Sea, an area where China asserts control over a group of uninhabited islands currently governed by Japan. Although there have been encounters between ships and aircraft from both nations, no shots have been exchanged in these incidents.
The U.S. and other countries have intentionally sailed near these contested islands, some of which are artificial, to challenge China’s territorial claims. Beijing has dismissed a ruling from a U.N.-backed court that invalidated most of China’s claims in the South China Sea.