[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Chinese Navy Possessing Asia's Largest Destroyer Fleet

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] China is expected to significantly increase its naval power this year in line with its maritime strategy.

Currently, the Chinese navy is divided into three fleets: the North Sea Fleet, East Sea Fleet, and South Sea Fleet. Going forward, plans are underway to establish a Fourth Fleet centered on an aircraft carrier strike group on Hainan (海南) Island for rapid response during South China Sea disputes.

The naval forces will also be greatly strengthened. The goal is to complete two aircraft carrier strike groups by 2025 and four by 2030, with ongoing force expansion.

The number of Aegis destroyers will increase from 19 to 39. Strategic nuclear submarines (Jin-class) will increase from 4 to 5 by 2020, and additional attack nuclear submarines (Sui-class) will be constructed. The total number of submarines will rise from 62 to over 70. Escort ships will increase from 27 to over 30, and stealth patrol ships will grow from 41 to over 100, with deployments planned in the South China Sea and exclusive economic zones, according to military experts.

China’s naval power has never been transparently disclosed. However, it is estimated that the Chinese navy currently possesses a total of 702 vessels. In terms of numbers, this surpasses South Korea (over 160 vessels), Japan (131 vessels), Russia (302 vessels), and even the United States (518 vessels).

However, the total tonnage of vessels is 1,225,812 tons, about one-third of the United States’ 3,451,964 tons. This is because the number of large vessels such as aircraft carriers is significantly lower than that of the U.S. Of course, China surpasses Japan (462,007 tons), South Korea (192,000 tons), and Russia (1,043,104 tons) in total tonnage.

China’s naval forces are expected to be deployed primarily in the South China Sea region. The South China Sea is a maritime strategic point with large deposits of natural resources such as oil and gas, and annual maritime trade volume exceeding $3 trillion. Countries surrounding the South China Sea, including China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, continue disputes over resource sovereignty and fishing rights. China pursues a strategy of effectively occupying the area by building military facilities on artificial islands and conducting flight training, while the United States counters with "freedom of navigation" operations using warships.

From 2016 to last year, the Chinese navy commissioned 44 new warships, about one-third of which were assigned to the South China Sea Fleet, which oversees the South China Sea region. The South China Sea Fleet now has over 80 vessels, including 12 missile destroyers, 33 frigates, 20 amphibious landing ships, and a small submarine fleet. Among these, five 'Type 052D' destroyers are equipped with advanced radar and electronic systems capable of countering the U.S. Navy’s Aegis combat system.

The recently commissioned Nanchang (photo) is also notable. It is the largest and most powerful destroyer in the Asia region. Nanchang underwent eight months of sea trials and weapons system testing. It is the first 10,000-ton class Type 055 destroyer of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy. Although it does not surpass the U.S. Zumwalt-class, the world’s most powerful destroyer, it is regarded as a world-class destroyer.

China’s naval pride lies in the four domestically produced aircraft carriers to be commissioned in the future.

China’s first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, was acquired in 2002 after successfully purchasing the Admiral Kuznetsov-class Varyag from the former Soviet Union. After nearly a decade of refurbishment, it was commissioned in 2012. This is the first Chinese aircraft carrier, the 'Liaoning.'

The second aircraft carrier is the first domestically built carrier, the 'Shandong (山東) (001).' Construction began at the end of 2013, and it was launched in April 2017. Since then, it has undergone nine sea trials.

The third aircraft carrier, '002,' has also begun construction. Its displacement is expected to be between 65,000 and 70,000 tons, with a length of 310 meters and a width of about 80 meters, capable of carrying over 50 aircraft, more than previous carriers. The third carrier will also incorporate the latest technology. Instead of the traditional ski-jump method for launching fighter jets, it is expected to be equipped with an electronic catapult system. The U.S. has adopted electromagnetic catapults only on its latest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford. The latest catapult models, about 90 meters long, can launch 36-ton carrier-based aircraft, improving launch capabilities and enabling the deployment of large attack drones and fixed-wing early warning aircraft.

Construction of the fourth aircraft carrier is also planned, expected to begin as early as 2021, and it is anticipated to be a nuclear-powered carrier. China aims to have six aircraft carriers by 2035. The United States currently operates 12 aircraft carriers, with about 10 actively deployed in operations.