China's Naval Buildup: An Unprecedented Expansion and Strategic Shift

[Social Media]

 

China's rapid naval buildup has reached a pace that alarms global observers, resembling a chess game where one player continually adds more pieces. This aggressive expansion is part of a broader strategic shift aimed at enhancing China's military, economic, and geopolitical influence. Several recent developments highlight the multifaceted approach China is taking to assert its power on the world stage.

 

Vladimir Putin's recent visit to China, accompanied by his entire inner circle, including current and former Defense Ministers, underscores the deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow. While specific details of their agreements remain undisclosed, the high-level nature of the visit signals significant strategic cooperation. For President Xi Jinping, Putin's ongoing war in Ukraine serves as a strategic distraction for Western powers, allowing China to advance its own goals with less interference.

 

 

Four days ago, China concluded Exercise Joint Sword, an annual military exercise involving an increasing number of Chinese ships and aircraft surrounding Taiwan. This year's exercise was described by Beijing as a "strong punishment" in response to the inauguration of Taiwan's newly elected President Lai, a candidate opposed by China. The exercise saw 46 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships and 82 aircraft violating Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), marking the highest count on record. Such displays of military might serve as a warning to Taiwan and a signal to the United States and its allies of China's growing capabilities.

 

 

Simultaneously, a rare trilateral meeting between China, Japan, and South Korea took place. These three nations account for 25% of global GDP, and their discussions are crucial amid heightened US diplomatic and military efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. China's participation, after a five-year hiatus, indicates a strategic attempt to balance regional dynamics and assert its influence through diplomatic channels, complementing its military posturing.

 

China's naval expansion is not just about quantity but also technological advancement. The PLAN recently launched the first of a new class of corvette, completing construction in under a year. This feat contrasts sharply with the US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship, which took four years to build and has faced operational challenges. Similarly, the UK's new frigate, the Type 26, takes approximately five years from keel laying to sea trials. China's accelerated shipbuilding pace—producing the equivalent of the entire Royal Navy every two years—demonstrates its formidable industrial capacity and strategic intent.

 

Corvettes occupy a niche between offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and frigates, offering a blend of versatility and cost-effectiveness. Traditionally, Western navies have shunned corvettes, viewing them as limited in high-intensity conflict scenarios. However, China's renewed interest in corvettes suggests a strategic shift. These smaller ships are well-suited for a range of maritime activities, from posturing around Taiwan and operations in the South China Sea to missions off Africa. Their relatively lower cost and quicker build time provide China with a flexible and robust naval force.

 

China's Type 056 corvette program, initiated in 2012, resulted in 79 ships, with 50 serving the PLAN and the remainder in the coastguard and export markets. The recent resurgence in corvette production indicates a realization of their utility in various maritime operations short of full-scale war. These ships enhance China's ability to project power globally while reserving larger vessels for major conflicts.

 

Arming these new corvettes with advanced weaponry will be a costly endeavor. Missiles like the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile cost nearly $1 million per round, while the high-end SM-3 Block IIA missile reaches $28.7 million each. Fully arming an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer can exceed $420 million. Despite these costs, the strategic benefits of a well-balanced fleet, including corvettes, justify the investment.

 

The new Chinese corvettes are likely to be fast, equipped with a mix of advanced missiles, guns, and emerging technologies. They will provide valuable operational experience for future commanders of larger ships, addressing a reported gap in the PLAN's current leadership.

 

China's naval engagements reflect a broader strategy of enhancing global influence, economic growth, and countering US hegemony. The recent meetings with Putin, military exercises near Taiwan, and diplomatic talks with Japan and South Korea all align with this strategic vision. The rapid buildup of corvettes and other naval assets strengthens China's ability to secure its maritime trade routes and project power globally.

 

In summary, China's naval buildup is a multifaceted strategy aimed at asserting dominance in the maritime domain. The combination of diplomatic maneuvers, military exercises, and rapid shipbuilding demonstrates Beijing's comprehensive approach to enhancing its influence and capabilities. As China continues to expand its naval power, the global balance of maritime forces is shifting, prompting significant strategic recalculations among other major powers.

 

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-05-30

 

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[Srikcir]

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

China's rapid naval buildup has reached a pace that alarms global observers

Yes, this will help BRIC worldwide economic standing for which Thailand recently declared its support to dedollarize its trade with the West. 

NOT.

[BusyB]

 

Do they have as many ships as the Americans yet?

[Gweiloman]

3 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Yes, this will help BRIC worldwide economic standing for which Thailand recently declared its support to dedollarize its trade with the West. 

NOT.

America, with just a quarter of China’s population, spends more than 3 times what China spends on its military. That is to me, more alarming, especially when you consider how many conflicts it (America) has been involved in, in the last 6-7 decades. History always repeats itself.

[Gweiloman]

3 hours ago, BusyB said:

 

Do they have as many ships as the Americans yet?

Probably not. They don’t need to, as they are only concerned about self defence. No need to have so many ships sailing around the world, causing trouble and instability.

[Bkk Brian]

10 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

Probably not. They don’t need to, as they are only concerned about self defence. No need to have so many ships sailing around the world, causing trouble and instability.

Actually China has had more naval ships than the US for the last 2 years.

 

[BusyB]

5 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Actually China has had more naval ships than the US for the last 2 years.

 

 

Interesting article thanks.

[Gweiloman]

14 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Actually China has had more naval ships than the US for the last 2 years.

 

Actually I know that. But the US does have 11 or 12 aircraft carriers to China’s 3. Because China has no need to project power beyond its shores. And doesn’t intend to invade other countries.

 

Nb: for those who are easily confused, Taiwan is not a sovereign nation, as per the UN. And even America.

[Bkk Brian]

20 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

Actually I know that. But the US does have 11 or 12 aircraft carriers to China’s 3. Because China has no need to project power beyond its shores. And doesn’t intend to invade other countries.

 

Nb: for those who are easily confused, Taiwan is not a sovereign nation, as per the UN. And even America.

Actually I know that. 

1 hour ago, Gweiloman said:

Probably not. They don’t need to, as they are only concerned about self defence. No need to have so many ships sailing around the world, causing trouble and instability.

 

[Gweiloman]

4 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Actually I know that. 

 

Good example of why you shouldn’t believe everything you read 

 

Note also that I said, probably not as opposed to definitely not or certainly not. Yet you fell for it (as I expected you would), hook, line and sinker.

[Bkk Brian]

1 minute ago, Gweiloman said:

Good example of why you shouldn’t believe everything you read 

 

Note also that I said, probably not as opposed to definitely not or certainly not. Yet you fell for it (as I expected you would), hook, line and sinker.

You were wrong just admit it and stop being so dishonest

 

1 hour ago, Gweiloman said:

Probably not. They don’t need to, as they are only concerned about self defence. No need to have so many ships sailing around the world, causing trouble and instability.

 

[The Theory]

"The DOJ accused Mr Wang of using the proceeds to buy $60m worth of luxury assets, and said it had seized a Ferrari, a Rolls-Royce, two BMWs and several watches - as well as bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.

He also bought property in the US, St Kitts and Nevis, China, Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, it said."

 

He is not a Thai, he is a foreign. 

[Gweiloman]

2 hours ago, The Theory said:

"The DOJ accused Mr Wang of using the proceeds to buy $60m worth of luxury assets, and said it had seized a Ferrari, a Rolls-Royce, two BMWs and several watches - as well as bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.

He also bought property in the US, St Kitts and Nevis, China, Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, it said."

 

He is not a Thai, he is a foreign. 

Er… who is Mr. Wang?