In a significant stride towards bolstering its naval prowess, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, at a ceremony held on Wednesday morning in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. The Luohe, bearing the hull number \"545,\" marks a new era for China's maritime defense capabilities.
The Type 054B frigate, independently developed and constructed by China, features a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. This new-generation warship integrates advanced stealth technology, cutting-edge combat command systems, and enhanced firepower, collectively augmenting its overall performance and operational effectiveness.
With formidable capabilities in comprehensive combat operations and the execution of diverse military missions, the Luohe is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the combat effectiveness of the PLA Navy's task forces. Its deployment underscores China's commitment to modernizing its naval fleet to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was officially confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense in August 2023. At the time, spokesperson Wu Qian emphasized that the development of key combat vessels by the PLA Navy is a standard procedure aligned with national security requirements and overall naval development objectives.
\"This move aims to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests while contributing to global and regional peace and stability,\" Wu stated, reaffirming China's dedication to peaceful development and a defensive national defense policy.
The commissioning of the Luohe not only enhances China's maritime defense capabilities but also reflects the nation's advancement in indigenous shipbuilding technology. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, such developments are closely watched by global readers, business professionals, and researchers interested in Asia's dynamic role in international affairs.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
