Chinese Navy plans to develop new generation of warships, aircraft

NEW DELHI - The Chinese Navy plans to develop a new generation of warships and aircraft as part of the country’s effort to upgrade the maritime security defence system.

Admiral Wu Shengli outlined key missions, present and future, in an interview with Xinhua News Agency on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Chinese Navy next Thursday.

Admiral Wu said the navy will develop weaponry such as large combat warships, submarines with longer range and stealth capability, supersonic cruise aircraft, more accurate long-range missiles, deep-sea torpedoes and upgraded information technology, among others.

Senior Colonel Li Jie, a researcher at the Chinese Navy’s Military Academy, said the “large warships” Admiral Wu mentioned do not mean only aircraft carriers, but he did not elaborate.

The media has reported that China will have an aircraft carrier “very soon”.

East China fleet commander Admiral Xu Hongmeng said last month during the national legislature’s annual session that the country possessed both the ability and motivation to build a carrier.

Admiral Wu, a member of the Central Military Commission, China’s top military body, also said the navy will greatly strengthen its logistics and support facility system to improve far-sea repair, delivery, rescue and replenishment capacities.

“The navy will establish a maritime defense system that corresponds with the need to protect China’s maritime security and economic development,” he said.

Peng Guangqian, a Beijing-based military strategist, said Admiral Wu’s remarks are more than routine remarks to mark the navy’s landmark anniversary.

Admiral Wu also said the navy is stepping up exchanges with foreign navies to tackle non-traditional security threats. (ANI)