Navy's responsibilities

Since Dec 26, 2008, Chinese naval vessels have escorted more than 5,000 ships in the Indian Ocean, with half of the vessels belonging to foreign owners. According to the People's Liberation Army Naval Headquarters, about 60 percent of vessels escorted by Chinese warships had ties to China's international trade, indicating the important and rising role the navy is playing in safeguarding the country's interests.

Given the notable contributions China makes to global economic growth and world trade, the country's endeavor to develop a blue-sea navy is commensurate with its development status and caters to its need to safeguard its national maritime interests.

As a country with more than 18,000 kilometers of coastline, 3 million square kilometers of territorial waters and growing interests overseas, China has to significantly improve its navy's capabilities.