Global Times (August 30) reported the launch of China's reportedly eighth Type 055 and 25th Type 052D destroyers on August 30, just two days after the PLAN decommissioned two Type 051 destroyers.  It said the PLA Navy's development has entered a new stage, with third-generation warships becoming the main battle equipment and fourth-generation ones beginning to enter service. The Hong Kong-based 'Takung Wenwei' reported (August 30) that the Type 055 and Type 052D destroyers were simultaneously launched in the Dalian Shipyard, Liaoning Province. It said the Chinese warships are comparable to world's top destroyers, including the US' Arleigh Burke-class and Zumwalt-class.