China’s Naval Exercises In The Pacific: A Comprehensive Review

According to a report by China Central Television on Tuesday, a fleet of People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels recently carried out large-scale combat drills in the Pacific Ocean. The fleet comprised three key warships: the Type 055 large guided-missile destroyer Zunyi, the Type 054A frigate Hengyang, and the Type 903 replenishment ship Weishanhu. The exercises featured various tactical operations, including at-sea replenishment and live-fire drills, aimed at evaluating and enhancing the fleet’s coordinated combat capabilities.

The Type 055 destroyer is powered by four gas turbines in a combined-gas-and-gas configuration, propelling two controllable-pitch propellers. This setup enables the vessel to reach a top speed of 30 knots and cover up to 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 18 knots. Measuring 591 feet in length, 66 feet in beam, and 22 feet in draft, the Type 055 is built for versatility across different maritime environments. With a crew of over 300 personnel, it is designed for extended operational missions.

Strategic Significance and Future Developments

The live-fire exercises conducted by the PLAN, along with the advanced capabilities of the Type 055 destroyer, underscore China’s growing naval strength. These drills not only reinforce combat readiness but also signal China’s intent to safeguard its maritime interests and establish a more assertive presence in international waters.

By executing these extensive and complex maneuvers, China continues to modernize its naval forces in alignment with global standards. Analysts anticipate an increase in such exercises, prompting other major maritime nations to reassess their strategic and operational approaches.

Global Response

The recent PLAN exercises in the Pacific serve multiple strategic objectives, demonstrating high levels of coordination, technological sophistication, and adherence to international maritime protocols. The response from Australia and New Zealand, along with a strong rebuttal from Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian, highlights the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding naval operations in critical maritime zones.

The advanced capabilities of the Type 055 Renhai-class destroyer further emphasize China’s rapid naval advancements and its efforts to extend operational reach beyond its coastal regions. As global maritime dynamics evolve, these developments will have far-reaching implications for international security and regional stability.

During the drills, the fleet exhibited swift response times and tactical precision. When an unidentified aerial target was detected, Zunyi and Hengyang swiftly repositioned. Zunyi activated its close-in weapon system, neutralizing the target with a single, well-coordinated strike. Later, the fleet encountered a simulated hostile vessel, prompting Hengyang to engage it with its main gun. The exercises, spanning several days, tested technical expertise, command execution, and the ability to operate effectively in challenging sea conditions and complex scenarios.

International Reactions and Strategic Implications

The drills have drawn considerable attention from Australia and New Zealand. Australian media reported that the three warships were sighted east of Sydney last week, followed by aviation warnings advising commercial pilots to avoid the airspace between Australia and New Zealand due to live-fire exercises. New Zealand’s Defense Force confirmed that one of the Chinese warships fired live rounds in the Tasman Sea on Saturday afternoon.

In response to Australian concerns over transparency, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian clarified that the exercises were conducted in international waters, far from Australian territory, and that proper safety notices were issued beforehand. He emphasized that the operations adhered fully to international law and naval protocols. Both Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged that China’s activities were in compliance with international norms.

Chinese military analysts have described the drills as both a demonstration of operational capability and a strategic message. Military expert Fu Qianshao stated that it is routine for PLAN vessels to operate in distant waters, as such missions are essential for safeguarding China’s trade and economic interests along key maritime routes. Another analyst, Song Zhongping, predicted that similar naval exercises will become more frequent, urging other nations to adapt to China’s evolving naval strategy.

These expert insights highlight the dual purpose of these drills: they serve as practical training for tactical readiness while reinforcing China’s strategic intent in international waters.

The Type 055 Warship

The Type 055 Renhai-class destroyer is one of the most advanced warships in the PLAN fleet, representing decades of naval development. Designed for power projection and fleet escort duties, it is regarded as one of the most formidable surface combatants globally.

Displacing between 12,000 and 13,000 tons, the Type 055 is constructed at major shipyards such as Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai and Dalian Shipbuilding in Dalian. The first ship of the class, Nanchang, began construction in 2014, launched in 2017, and was commissioned in January 2020. Since then, at least eight units have been built. Additional vessels are reportedly in development.

Weaponry and Advanced Systems

The Type 055 destroyer is equipped with an array of cutting-edge weaponry. It features 112 universal vertical launch system (VLS) missile tubes, divided into two sections: 64 forward in an eight-by-eight configuration and 48 aft in a six-by-eight layout. These launchers can deploy a mix of HHQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missiles and YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missiles, which have a range of up to 290 nautical miles. Future configurations may include anti-submarine missiles, land-attack cruise missiles, and anti-ship ballistic missiles.

Additionally, the destroyer is armed with a 130mm main gun, a 30mm close-in weapon system, and a 24-cell HHQ-10 point-defense missile launcher. For anti-submarine warfare, it is fitted with two triple 324mm torpedo launchers. The vessel’s spacious hangar accommodates two maritime helicopters, such as the Harbin Z-9 or the newer Z-20F, which is comparable to the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk.

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Advanced Sensors and Propulsion

Beyond its weaponry, the Type 055 boasts sophisticated sensor and propulsion systems. It is outfitted with a four-panel Type 346B active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar integrated into its mast, minimizing its radar signature. Underwater detection capabilities are enhanced through a hull-mounted sonar system at the forward section, along with variable-depth and towed-array sonars at the aft.

With these capabilities, the Type 055 plays a pivotal role in China’s naval modernization, reinforcing the PLAN’s ability to conduct complex operations in diverse maritime environments.

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