Navy sailing with the times

Wednesday marks the 65th anniversary for the founding of the People's Liberation Army Navy of China. Over those years, the Chinese navy has grown from almost nothing into a formidable force with both comprehensive defense capabilities and strategic deterrence potential.

In recent years, the Chinese navy has concentrated on modernizing its equipment and raising its general technology standard to deal with complex traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Currently China's latest generation of destroyers is comparable with Japan's Akizuki class of missile destroyers, while its type 054 frigate is comparable to France's La Fayette class of frigate, indeed it even has advantages in its stealth and air-defense capabilities. At the same time, China has also trained its sailors to be able to master them.

The Chinese navy has also strengthened the construction of supply platforms and introduced a series of huge hospital ships as well as ambulance lighters and helicopters. In September 2012, China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, entered service, which was of great significance for navy and country. The Chinese navy also improved its ability to implement non-military missions such as escort duties and humanitarian search and rescue operations. Since Dec 26, 2008, Chinese naval vessels have been escorting Chinese ships in the Gulf of Aden, and assistance has also been offered to foreign ships when needed. They have also delivered humanitarian aid for the UN World Food Programme. China has sent 17 fleets and protected more tan 5,000 ships in all.