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Pentagon Assesses The PLA Navy’s Modernization And Growing Aggression

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Pentagon Assesses The PLA Navy’s Modernization And Growing Aggression​

The Pentagon’s annual assessment of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) – entitled the 2023 Report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China – was published on 19 October.

Gordon Arthur 27 Oct 2023
Liaoning-770x410.jpg.webp



This eagerly awaited document was damning in its analysis of the Chinese military’s behaviour:
“Over the last 18 months, the PLA appears to have been engaged in a centralised, concerted campaign to perform these risky behaviours in order to coerce a change in lawful US operational activity, and that of US allies and partners.”
It highlighted an alarming trend of aggression as Beijing wields the PLA as a “capable instrument of statecraft”. The US DoD warned: “Throughout the year, the PLA adopted more coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region, while accelerating its development of capabilities and concepts to strengthen the PRC’s ability to ‘fight and win wars’ against a ‘strong enemy’, counter an intervention by a third party in a conflict along the PRC’s periphery, and to project power globally.”

These conclusions were underscored just two days later when a swarm of China Coast Guard and Maritime Militia vessels deliberately obstructed Philippine vessels, even colliding with one, in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine vessels were there to resupply the garrison on the beached BRP Sierra Madre.

The report called out Beijing for its hypocrisy. “The PRC has long challenged foreign military activities in its EEZ in a manner that is inconsistent with the rules of customary international law … However, in recent years the PLA has begun conducting the same types of military activities inside and outside the First Island Chain in the EEZs of other countries, including the United States. This activity highlights the PRC’s double standard in the application of its interpretation of international law.”

Quite apart from the illegal and dangerous activities of the PLA and sister agencies, the Pentagon report digs down into significant developments in the PLA Navy (PLAN). It noted that it is developing into a global force, “gradually extending its operational reach beyond East Asia into a sustained ability to operate at increasingly longer ranges”.

It assessed: “The PLAN’s ability to perform missions beyond the First Island Chain is modest but growing as it gains more experience operating in distant waters and acquires larger and more advanced platforms.” Experience comes through extended task group deployments in the Western Pacific and a continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden.

PLA Navy: The largest Navy in the world​

PLA Navy Type 052C


This is a Type 052C destroyer, which was subsequently succeeded in Chinese shipyards by the even more modern Type 052D. (Gordon Arthur)

The PLAN is numerically the largest navy in the world, “with an overall battle force of over 370 ships and submarines, including more than 140 major surface combatants”.

What is astounding in this statement is that the total number has risen 30 from the 340 vessels listed in the 2022 report. Nor does this include 60 Houbei-class missile boats. With 140 major surface combatants listed, this number has expanded by 15 compared to 2022. Note that the report essentially covers developments till late 2022 or early 2023.

The Chinese naval fleet is “largely composed of modern multi-mission ships and submarines,” and there is little let-up in production either. The US DoD confirmed that more Type 055 cruisers are under construction, plus a fourth Type 075 LHD likely began construction earlier this year. The report also mentioned the new Type 054B frigate, which the USA is calling the Jiangkai III class.

Last year, the PLAN launched China’s third and most capable aircraft carrier, the future CV-18 Fujian. It also noted that the third Type 075 LHD was commissioned in October 2022. A growing carrier fleet extends air coverage of deployed task groups, with China now in the beginning stages of a multi-carrier force. Meanwhile, large amphibious ships enable a wide range of expeditionary operations to protect or advance Chinese interests.

With such unrelenting shipbuilding activity, the Pentagon estimates the PLAN will have 395 vessels by 2025, and 435 by 2030. Although this latter figure is down by five compared to the 2022 report, the figure for submarines has actually increased. For the submarine fleet, the Pentagon lists a figure of 65 submarines by 2025, and 80 by 2035.

Growing submarine fleet​

PLA Navy Type 094


The PLAN has six Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, but China’s submarine fleet is growing strongly. (Chinese MND)

Indeed, China’s submarine fleet receives a significant amount of attention in the 2023 Report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China. It listed a dozen nuclear-powered boats and 48 conventional submarines. Previously, the US said that Jin-class Type 094 SSBNs were “likely” performing at-sea deterrence patrols with mated nuclear warheads. This year, however, the report confirmed that six Type 094s are actually performing these patrols.

Furthermore, these Type 094s can carry both JL-2 and JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missiles to give China its “first viable sea-based nuclear deterrence”. The USA clearly believes the JL-3 is fully operational. With a claimed range of 5,400nm, JL-3 missiles could reach the continental USA if launched from Chinese littoral waters. In contrast, a Chinese SSBN armed with JL-2s would need to be in the mid-Pacific for the same target.

Moving beyond the Type 094, the next-generation Type 096 SSBN “is expected to enter service in the 2020s or early 2030s”. Indeed, construction is likely to start “in the near future”, a fuller description that is appearing for the first time. Interestingly, it alleges that two Type 093B SSNs were launched at Huludao shipyard between May 2022 and January 2023.

The number of Yuan-class conventional submarines is estimated at 21, which suggests that four new ones were completed last year.

More capable ships​

PLA Navy YJ-18


Chinese warships and submarines are armed with modern missiles and weapons. Pictured here is the YJ-18 anti-ship and land attack cruise missile. (Gordon Arthur)

Not only are Chinese ship numbers growing, but they are gaining more capability. “In the near term, the PLAN will have the ability to conduct long-range precision strikes against land targets from its submarine and surface combatants using land attack cruise missiles, notably enhancing the PRC’s power projection capability.” Modern warships are thus armed with missiles like the YJ-62, YJ-18A and YJ-12A. Worryingly, the report alludes to Chinese efforts to fit the YJ-18 into commercial shipping containers for “covert employment aboard merchant ships”.

The Chinese navy is progressing in joint operations too. “The PLAN is emphasizing maritime joint operations and joint integration with the other branches of the PLA. This modernization aligns with the PRC’s growing emphasis on the maritime domain and increasing demands for the PLAN to operate at greater distances from mainland China.”

China’s response to the 2023 report​

As expected, China’s Ministry of National Defense reacted angrily to the Pentagon’s assessment. Spokesman Senior Colonel Wu Qian said on 25 October that the report “distorted China’s national defence policy and military strategy, exaggerated and sensationalized the non-existent ‘China military threat’, and speculated about China’s military development…”

Wu insisted “China needed to build a strong military for today’s severe and complex international security environment”. He also warned that the PLA “had the confidence and ability to defeat any external interference and separatist attempts for Taiwan independence, and achieve the complete reunification of the motherland”. Chinese intentions are very clear. The PLA is pursuing a counter-intervention strategy to deter or prevent the USA from getting involved in any Taiwan scenario. The US is well aware of these aims to “restrict the United States from having a presence in the East and South China Sea regions – within the First Island Chain – and increasingly to hold at risk US access in the broader Indo-Pacific region”.

 
Every single nation in this world know it is the US thats been acting aggresive and insanely want to make open war wit china. The american plan to destroy china in war was thwarted first by COVID , 2nd by their economic decline , 3rd by their failure to remove russia from equation and even worse Russia won the SMO by destroying NATO proxy forces and exposed NATO as paper tiger with no ammo to back their proxy. Now as Ukraine start to wind down , the middle east conflagrate and again stopping the insane american plan to attack china using puppet leaders in philiphine , taiwan , japan , south korea as their proxy forces.

seem like the heaven itself prevent america's plan to attack china as it failed in every single step of the way
 
Could China be moving forward to implement its own version of the “1000 ship navy concept”? As part of its own vision of a new global order, especially in light of the conflict in the Middle East and the vulnerability of the sea lanes during heightened tensions.

Build up its own fleet of “500” or so manned and unmanned vessels and work jointly to patrol global sea lanes with all the partner nations and their collective strength of “500 ships” spread throughout the world.

This would also give China an expanded doctrine under which the utilization of a carrier battle group would operate beyond the first and second island chains.


 
The days of US global military domination and coercion are numbered

I believe they are over

when USN Carriers are working out which gender of toilets to use and the LGBT captains are worrying about which gender to give the captaincy too you know you your days are well and truly over

transgender NATO armies 63 of them on one side and Russia a single nation real men on the other you know thats why Russia is winning

China needs 6 x CSG + 3 x ARG

and they are 75% of the way there another 5 years I think
 
Could China be moving forward to implement its own version of the “1000 ship navy concept”? As part of its own vision of a new global order, especially in light of the conflict in the Middle East and the vulnerability of the sea lanes during heightened tensions.

Build up its own fleet of “500” or so manned and unmanned vessels and work jointly to patrol global sea lanes with all the partner nations and their collective strength of “500 ships” spread throughout the world.

This would also give China an expanded doctrine under which the utilization of a carrier battle group would operate beyond the first and second island chains.


I highly doubt that. China's shipbuilding plans are covering ships with larger tonnage, the consequence is a reduction in ship production in numbers.

The biggest question will still be whether China will have enough strength to maintain 6 CSGs and ships with greater tonnage as it intends according to some enthusiasts who claim that the PLAN will have it in 2035.
 
I highly doubt that. China's shipbuilding plans are covering ships with larger tonnage, the consequence is a reduction in ship production in numbers.

The biggest question will still be whether China will have enough strength to maintain 6 CSGs and ships with greater tonnage as it intends according to some enthusiasts who claim that the PLAN will have it in 2035.
My speculation is not the composition of the PLAN, but how it is used in conjunction with smaller navies around the world in a pseudo-alliance to control/patrol the shipping lanes in times of heightened tensions. The “1000 ship navy” concept was a USN plan from the late 90s, to over the challenge that the destroyer/frigate fleet of the USN was under 100 ships. It’s also where the LCS concept came out of; smaller patrol ships for the littorals, if I’m not mistaken.

 
My speculation is not the composition of the PLAN, but how it is used in conjunction with smaller navies around the world in a pseudo-alliance to control/patrol the shipping lanes in times of heightened tensions. The “1000 ship navy” concept was a USN plan from the late 90s, to over the challenge that the destroyer/frigate fleet of the USN was under 100 ships. It’s also where the LCS concept came out of; smaller patrol ships for the littorals, if I’m not mistaken.

Ok. So, a collaborative effort by multiple navies to form this battle fleet consisting of 1,000 ships.

Any such plan for China to create a 1,000-ship battle fleet will have to include Russia, not only that, there must be a minimum of integration between command and control systems. To be honest, I have been following the naval exercises of China/Russia/Iran and also South Africa, but I don't know to what extent this is true.
 
Ok. So, a collaborative effort by multiple navies to form this battle fleet consisting of 1,000 ships.

Any such plan for China to create a 1,000-ship battle fleet will have to include Russia, not only that, there must be a minimum of integration between command and control systems. To be honest, I have been following the naval exercises of China/Russia/Iran and also South Africa, but I don't know to what extent this is true.
This is just my speculation. Sale of Chinese equipment/warships and a whole ecosystem of C4ISR could lead to interoperability practiced in exercises and then it’s just a matter of poltical will.
 
I highly doubt that. China's shipbuilding plans are covering ships with larger tonnage, the consequence is a reduction in ship production in numbers.

The biggest question will still be whether China will have enough strength to maintain 6 CSGs and ships with greater tonnage as it intends according to some enthusiasts who claim that the PLAN will have it in 2035.
China dominates the world shipbuilding industry by a large margin, it's US you should have doubt on how they can maintain their current size fleet with fast dwindling ship building and maintainence industries.

 
The USN is operating off of China and interfering with China’s sovereignty issues. China isn’t off the coast of Florida. Who is the aggressive one?
 
The USN is operating off of China and interfering with China’s sovereignty issues. China isn’t off the coast of Florida. Who is the aggressive one?




Murica want war, China can and will give them WAR
AND STANDBY WITH DF26s DF21s AND DF41s

np_file_151133.jpeg



China should not continue to play games with Murica and her doggie in their INFANTILE aerial versions of FONOPs like the way they used to sail up and down Yangtse and other rivers of China to enforce their opium trading and to humiliate China in the past.

GIVE THOSE PLANES JUST ONE SINGLE WARNING TO FCCK OFF

AND FIRE MISSILES AND SPLASH THOSE INTRUDERS



images




images




images


AND ANY MURICAN SHIPS PLAYING AT FONOP IN WATER CLAIM BY CHINA WILL BE HIT WITH MULTIPLE MISSILES AND SET BURNING FROM BOW TO STERN

Image-6-2.jpg


China-Hypersonic-Missile.jpeg



YJ-21E-1.jpg


Z7A6EEU5QNAO3JOKMP7SR5KRWU.jpg



AND STANDBY WITH DF41s DF5Ss
DF-41.jpg



800px-DF-5B_intercontinental_ballistic_missiles_during_2015_China_Victory_Day_parade.jpg


DF-5B.jpg
 
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Murica want war, China can and will give them WAR
AND STANDBY WITH DF26s DF21s AND DF41s

np_file_151133.jpeg



China should not continue to play games with Murica and her doggie in their INFANTILE aerial versions of FONOPs like the way they used to sail up and down Yangtse and other rivers of China to enforce their opium trading and to humiliate China in the past.

GIVE THOSE PLANES JUST ONE SINGLE WARNING TO FCCK OFF

AND FIRE MISSILES AND SPLASH THOSE INTRUDERS



images




images




images


AND ANY MURICAN SHIPS PLAYING AT FONOP IN WATER CLAIM BY CHINA WILL BE HIT WITH MULTIPLE MISSILES AND SET BURNING FROM BOW TO STERN

Image-6-2.jpg


China-Hypersonic-Missile.jpeg



YJ-21E-1.jpg


Z7A6EEU5QNAO3JOKMP7SR5KRWU.jpg



AND STANDBY WITH DF41s DF5Ss
DF-41.jpg



800px-DF-5B_intercontinental_ballistic_missiles_during_2015_China_Victory_Day_parade.jpg


DF-5B.jpg
I’m honestly surprised China is not increasing its pace of military buildup even more. It could easily double its budget and build an aircraft carrier every year and 10,000 nuclear warheads but it seems like they are pretty modest in increasing military spending.
 

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