Subtle messages behind China's biggest naval parade

[TaiShang]

Subtle messages behind China's biggest naval parade

By Han Bin
2018-04-13

Two days after Chinese President Xi Jinping made a keynote speech on China's determination on further opening-up and reforms, he inspected the People's Liberation Army Navy in the South China Sea. It was the largest parade ever since New China was founded in 1949. The navy displayed its latest equipment and best strength with unprecedented transparency. The parade sent out subtle messages to the outside world.

Showcasing military reform progress

China's military is undergoing a deep transformation from land-based to more sea-based operational forces. The PLA Navy used to attach great importance to coastal defense; it has now put greater significance on missions in the deep blue sea. The navy used to be separated by its East, South and North Sea Fleets based on geographic areas. But now, it focuses more on integration and mission completion.

The warships that took part in the naval parade represent PLA Navy's latest achievements. They also reflect the changing concept of Chinese naval development. With the aircraft carrier starting to operate in battle groups, the navy has been transformed into the PLA's main combat force, to meet challenges in the future.

PLA Navy Special Operation Forces under training /CGTN Photo

Awareness of potential threats

The rapid development of naval warships and high-tech weaponry indicated that China doesn't feel secure in protecting its core interests at sea. There are territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the issue of Taiwan. The increasing tempo of US so-called freedom of navigation operations to China-controlled islands and reefs have frequently challenged China's claims in the South China Sea.

Some experts believe that future conflicts will very likely occur on the seas. The PLA Navy is feeling the pressure and hopes to speed up modernization to achieve set goals. With the rising tensions at sea and China's growing economic links to the sea, it's a natural choice for the PLA Navy to pursue a path that will best serve the country’s interest.

More aircraft carriers for navy

To many people, the aircraft carrier is the symbol of maritime power. It also plays a special role in the strategic approach to the Asia-Pacific region. The formation of a carrier group will bring about an ever-expanding number of frigates, destroyers, submarines and fighters to form carrier strike capabilities that will enable the Chinese navy to better protect its interests at sea.

China's first home-made carrier will soon go to sea trials and enter into military service. And more carriers are expected to be built in the future. The extensive blue-ocean training on the Liaoning has mainly solved the problems of how to use the concept of carrier operational groups. Now, the indigenously produced carriers are seen as a major step towards China’s long-term strategy to build a maritime power.

PLA Navy military drills in the East China Sea /CGTN Photo

Military drills to be intensified

The parade took place when the PLA Navy was conducting the largest military drills in the South China Sea. The navy has commissioned more military drills to train its combat capabilities. Some are routine, while others will be drawn up based on security threats in the region.

For example, the PLA Navy says it will conduct a live-fire drill in the waters of the Taiwan Strait, amid tensions over increased Taiwan independence movements. During the parade, President Xi Jinping told officers that “the mission of building a mighty navy has never been more urgent than it is today.” The PLA Navy can only strengthen training to boost its role.

PLA Navy soldiers during live-fire drills in the South China Sea /CGTN Photo

Uncertainty over PLA reform

Chinese strategists believe that peace can only be safeguarded through strength. The stepping up of naval operational capabilities could reflect the change of thinking under Xi Jinping's leadership. But the PLA Navy has not been engaged in any real military combat for more than half a century; it takes time to test its real capabilities.

Xi Jinping has set a new target for the PLA Navy – to become a world-class force, through combat training, technological innovation, building a modern maritime combat system, and forming the ability to conduct diversified missions. It's a big picture for the navy to grow, but also a huge challenge to fulfill its mission.

Unlike some western powers that focus on interventions, the Chinese navy is shaping up to win an unpredictable sea war. Some military experts have pointed out that reforms in the navy should focus more on the change of mind instead of a change of equipment. The real victory is to derail the enemy's intentions to launch a war. The real impact of PLA naval modernization is being closely watched.

 

[ZeEa5KPul]

Nothing subtle about the message: trespass on what belongs to China and you'll never walk again.

 

[TaiShang]

Nothing subtle about the message: trespass on what belongs to China and you'll never walk again.

LOL.

China always tries to make it a painless transition.

***

Opinion: What signals does the PLA Navy parade send?

CGTN
2018-04-13

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CMC, takes a group photo with PLA Navy soldiers during an inspection in the South China Sea, April 12, 2018. /CCTV Photo

Professor Xu Hui, dean of International College of Defense Studies at the PLA National Defense University talked to CGTN about the significance of the navy drills and the importance of the modernization process for China's navy.

A total of 48 warships, 76 aircraft and over 10,000 officers and soldiers made up the largest navy parade in history. They were divided into seven maritime battle groups and 10 air combat formations, according to their duties and missions.

A series of new submarines, surface ships, combat aircraft, and China's aircraft carrier Liaoning, also appeared in the review.

As a large display of China's naval capabilities, Xu noted "the timing itself is very important." "Ten days later, it will be the 70th anniversary of Chinese navy founding," Xu added.

According to Xu, the display can also be interpreted as a demonstration to the world of the level of achievement in developing the navy.

The parade sends "a quite strong signal to the world that China has more confidence in developing its military and deterring the possible adversaries who have the intention to infringe upon our territory and sovereignty," said Xu.

A view of the PLA Navy parade in the South China Sea, April 12, 2018. /jz.81.cn Photo

As one of the world's major powers, Xu argues that the need is even greater for modernizing its navy, as China has to shoulder the responsibilities of providing maritime security and public goods.

Due to global interest, China requires a strong military, "especially the navy to protect its national interest throughout the world."

China has conducted dozens of operations such as joint exercises, anti-parallel operations and non-combatant evacuations in the past years.

In developing the navy, China will "have more confidence carrying out operations protecting the national interest, as well as providing public security goods in its domain," Xu concluded.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/3255444d346b7a6333566d54/share_p.html

 

[Beast]

And we got ignorant people still claim Russia as second largest navy currently.

 

[rendong]

And we got ignorant people still claim Russia as second largest navy currently.

Russian warships are antique.

 

[terranMarine]

I can taste the arrival of unification , unleash the strength of the PLAN

 

[Huan]

And we got ignorant people still claim Russia as second largest navy currently.

I still think Russia has the third largest navy while China is 2nd. By 2021, China will be 1st?

 

[Beast]

I still think Russia has the third largest navy while China is 2nd. By 2021, China will be 1st?

Nobody claim China is Number one. Have u forget your pills? But isn’t China as world second largest navy hard to accept?

Russian warships are antique.

They can’t even build a decent destroyer.

 

[Huan]

Nobody claim China is Number one. Have u forget your pills? But isn’t China as world second largest navy hard to accept?


They can’t even build a decent destroyer.

You've really misunderstood. I accept China as having the 2nd largest navy. And I won't go berserk if China's PLA Navy becomes the 1st largest.

 

[TaiShang]

I can taste the arrival of unification , unleash the strength of the PLAN

It also partly depends on how stupid the present suicidal government is. They perhaps have no idea that they are making things easier for Mainland China -- which I would not complain. The more stupid this administration gets, the better.