In a significant stride towards modernizing its naval fleet, China has commissioned its first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. The commissioning ceremony took place on Wednesday morning at a bustling military port in Qingdao, Shandong Province, marking a pivotal moment in China's maritime ambitions.
Designated with the hull number \"545,\" the Luohe is a new-generation frigate with a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. Independently developed and constructed by China, the warship embodies the nation's advances in naval engineering and technology. It boasts state-of-the-art stealth capabilities, cutting-edge combat command systems, and integrated firepower, collectively enhancing its overall performance on the high seas.
The Luohe's induction into the fleet signifies not just an addition of a vessel but a substantial boost to the PLA Navy's operational capabilities. With its strong aptitude for comprehensive combat operations and versatility in diverse military missions, the frigate is poised to play a vital role in enhancing the combat effectiveness of China's naval task forces.
The development of the Type 054B frigate was publicly acknowledged by the Ministry of National Defense in August 2023. Wu Qian, the ministry's spokesperson, emphasized during a press conference that the PLA Navy's progression in developing key combat vessels is a strategic move aligned with national security requirements and overarching naval development objectives. He highlighted that such advancements are a normal arrangement to meet the demands of safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests.
\"China has always been committed to the path of peaceful development and adheres to a defensive national defense policy,\" Wu stated, underscoring the nation's stance on contributing to global and regional peace and stability through strengthening its defense capabilities.
The commissioning of the Luohe comes at a time of evolving maritime dynamics in the region. As China continues to expand and modernize its naval forces, the introduction of advanced vessels like the Type 054B frigate underscores its commitment to enhancing maritime security and projecting its presence on the global stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
