China Launches First Of Its New-Generation Naval Destroyers

China extended its rapidly expanding naval arsenal today (28 June) to include a new class of ‘destroyer’, reported Reuters. The 10,000-tonne domestically built warship, which according to state media Xinhua is “equipped with new air defense, anti-missile, anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons”, is the first of the People's Liberation Army Navy's "new generation" destroyers.

The launch of this warship does not mean that the mighty vessel will be seen in use right away. According to the Reuters report, the ship will have to go through “planned testing”, involving equipment operation, berthing and sailing, before it is put to work at the seas.

“Beijing wants to project power far beyond its shores, so a blue water navy is a prerequisite for Chinese ambitions,” writes Harsh V Pant for Swarajya, which means that regional powers, especially India, will have to think seriously about their naval options. If not, China’s presence in the Indian Ocean region will continue to grow, unchecked.

Also Read: The Dragon In The Indian Ocean Is Shaping Local Geopolitics; Does India Have A Counter?