China now has the world’s largest maritime force, surpassing the United States and other major powers that once led in naval strength. At the heart of these forces are warships, which patrol China’s vast territorial waters, including some contested areas. Despite this, many still question the true strength of China’s warships. Critics claim China’s military might be a “paper tiger,” unable to match Western powers. However, China has been investing billions to prove they are becoming a global superpower, and their growing fleet is one way they’re showing it. So, how strong are China’s warships? Let’s explore them in more detail.
Before diving into China’s fleet, let’s first understand what a warship is. A warship is a naval vessel built primarily for combat. Unlike commercial or civilian ships, warships are heavily armed, armored, and designed for offensive and defensive missions. Warships come in various types, such as destroyers, frigates, aircraft carriers, submarines, and amphibious assault ships, each playing a unique role in naval warfare.
The most powerful warships are aircraft carriers, which serve as mobile airbases capable of launching and recovering aircraft far from a nation’s shores. These vessels are crucial for long-range operations, air superiority, and supporting ground forces.
China currently has three aircraft carriers. The first, Liaoning (Kuznetsov-class), entered service in 2012. Initially developed as a Soviet ship in 1985, it was later sold to a Chinese company with plans to convert it into a floating casino. However, China repurposed it for military use, refitting and modernizing the vessel. Liaoning can accommodate around 50 aircraft and carry enough aviation fuel for 500-1,000 sorties.
China’s second carrier, Shandong (Kuznetsov-class), was commissioned in 2019. It is China’s first domestically designed and built carrier, with a displacement of 66,000-70,000 tons. The third carrier, Fujian (Type 003-class), is the newest addition to the fleet. It is estimated to be 315 meters long and displace around 80,000 tons, making it comparable to large U.S. carriers. China is also working on a larger, nuclear-powered Type 004 supercarrier.
Beyond aircraft carriers, China has advanced destroyers. The Type 055 (Renhai-class) guided-missile cruiser, with a displacement of 12,000-13,000 tons, is one of the most formidable warships in service today. Another powerful destroyer is the Type 052D (Luyang III-class), which has a displacement of 7,500 tons and is equipped with advanced weaponry.
China also deploys corvettes, smaller but versatile ships designed for coastal defense and escort missions. The Type 056 (Jiangdao-class) corvette is one of the most advanced in China’s fleet, with 70 built between 2011 and 2019. It measures 89 meters and has a displacement of 1,365 tons.
Frigates are another key element of China’s navy. The Type 054A (Jiangkai-II class) is a missile frigate known for its stealthy design and versatility. These ships, measuring 134 meters with a displacement of 4,000 tons, have been exported to countries like Pakistan.
China’s amphibious assault ships are also noteworthy. The Type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) is a large vessel capable of transporting troops, vehicles, and helicopters for amphibious warfare. With a length of 250 meters and a displacement of 40,000 tons, it can carry up to 30 helicopters. The Type 071 amphibious transport dock, similar to the U.S. San Antonio class, can transport 800 troops and is used for both military and humanitarian missions.
China’s navy is expanding rapidly, with increasingly larger and more advanced ships under development. While the U.S. still holds an edge in the size and lethality of its naval assets, China is closing the gap. Over the next decade, we may see China challenge the U.S. for naval dominance.