CHINA-PLA: GLOBAL TIMES PUBLICISES PLA MODERNISATION AND NEW WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT FOR 2021

The Global Times (December 28) publicised that the PLA is making progress in modernizing and expanding its arsenal and this will continue over the upcoming year. It said the recently developed equipment played major roles in protecting Chinese people from COVID-19, safeguarding national sovereignty and development interests "in regions like the China-India border, the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits". The article quoted Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie as saying that China's third aircraft carrier, expected to be larger than the country's current two and featuring a more advanced electromagnetic catapult system, could make its first appearance in 2021. It said the Type 054B frigate, a newly developed warship reportedly equipped with an integrated electric propulsion system and more advanced than the Type 054A, could "see movement" in 2021 and the Type 054A frigates, Type 052D destroyers, Type 055 large destroyers, Type 071 amphibious landing ships and Type 075 amphibious assault ships could be inducted between 2021 to 2025. A statement in June by the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment on its WeChat public account had said that China's new-generation fighter jet is also scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2021. Analysts say that with China setting the centennial goal by 2027 for its military in November, urging it to modernize military theories, organizations, personnel and weapons and equipment, there is no doubt that China will continue to develop new, world-class weapons for years to come.







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