China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy showcased its evolving naval capabilities as the newly commissioned Type 054B frigate Luohe completed live-fire combat training in the Yellow Sea. Commissioned on January 22 at Qingdao Port in Shandong Province, the vessel marks a technological leap for China's domestically developed naval fleet.
The 5,000-tonne frigate (hull number 545) features advanced stealth technology, integrated combat systems, and enhanced firepower, signaling China's growing emphasis on multi-role naval platforms. Analysts highlight its potential to bolster regional maritime security and strengthen coastal defense capabilities.
Military observers note the Luohe's deployment reflects China's strategy to modernize its naval forces through indigenous innovation. Its training exercises in the Yellow Sea—a strategic waterway bordering the Korean Peninsula and the Chinese mainland—underscore operational readiness amid evolving regional security dynamics.
