CHINA-PLAN: NEW TYPE-055 DESTROYER COMMISSIONED AT QINGDAO PORT

China Central Television (CCTV) reported (January 12) that a commissioning ceremony for the domestically developed Type-055 destroyer Nanchang, was held on January 12,  at Qingdao naval port, Shandong Province. It publicised this is the first warship to enter Chinese naval service in 2020, and also the first 10,000 ton-class destroyer to join the PLA Navy battle sequence. Zhou Minghui, captain of the Nanchang, told CCTV that the vessel will now begin to conduct training in all systems and subjects in order to form combat capability and integrate into PLA's combat system. Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie told Global Times (January 12) that the Nanchang is expected to accompany the Liaoning and form an aircraft carrier battle group. Having a displacement of more than 10,000 tons, the Type 055 is a 180-meter-long, 20-meter-wide guided missile destroyer with 112 vertical launch missile cells capable of launching a combination of surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, land-attack missiles and anti-submarine missiles. Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator, told Global Times that the Nanchang can also accompany the Shandong, as the destroyer will not likely be a fixed partner to either of China's aircraft carriers. He added that the commissioning of the Nanchang is a reflection of a major shift in China's deep blue water strategy, as safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and oversea interests requires large warships such as Type 055 destroyers, aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. Five other Type 055 destroyers have been launched at the Dalian Shipyard, Northeast China's Liaoning Province and Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.





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