China's Rapid Naval Buildup Could Overpower the United States Navy

24/7 Wall St. Insights

China has 71 Jiangdao-class ships, a type of combat ship known for its stealth, range, and unique weapons.
The Chinese Navy is rapidly working to expand its power and leadership in an attempt to keep up with the United States and other global powers.
The Chinese Navy has a wide variety of ships and vessels, from frigates and destroyers to corvettes.
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The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), which is China’s navy, recently launched a YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship missile from one of its Type 055 destoyer vessels. The YJ-21 has a range of 932 miles at speeds of Mach 6 (3,600 mph) to Mach 10 (7,672 mph). While the Type 055 destroyer is a relatively new ship in the Chinese navy, it is also one of the most advanced. PLAN has, over the years, worked to transform the maritime landscape and put China as a contender in naval leadership. The ships and vessels it chooses to use in its maritime efforts highlight where the country prioritizes its defense and combat needs. (Here are China’s 5 biggest military advantages.)

Here 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at China’s navy and what makes it so formidable. To identify the ships and submarines of the People’s Liberation Army, 24/7 Wall St. referenced the military data site World Directory of Modern Military Warships’ directory of all active ships in China. The ship and submarine classes are ranked in order of the number of vessels currently in active use by the navy, according to WDMMW. Any ships on order were excluded, as are smaller patrol vessels, auxiliary/survey ships, replenishment, and historical ceremonial types.

With a median hull age of just over 13 years, China’s Navy controls a military force consisting of relatively newer vessels. According to WDMMW, the country has produced the equivalent of a Royal Navy fleet each year, all toward its goal of overtaking the U.S. in naval power. The Jiangdao-class ships are the most common in China’s Navy with a total of 10 ships. These ships are known for how versatile they are in different wartime situations, as well as their advanced radar and sonar systems. Coming up second on our list are Houbei-class offshore patrol vessels, with 60 ships. These ships are stealthy and fast, providing a benefit during naval operations.

Each of these vessels serve to expand China’s naval power throughout the region, and then even further. (Did you know that China’s newest aircraft carrier rivals U.S. counterparts in size?)

Here is a look at the most common ships and submarines in China’s Navy:

Why We’re Covering This

While the United States is considered the preeminent military power, due in part to its navy and Air Force, China is on the rise. Over the past decade, China’s military might has increased exponentially, especially in terms of its navy. Its fleets now rival those of other global powers. With continually growing naval power, China can better influence geopolitics at a much greater distance. Looking at the most common ships and submarines in China’s Navy offers a better understanding of the country’s maritime capabilities and how the country could respond to potential future conflict.