People's Liberation Army Navy Fleet Inventory 🇨🇳

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and one of the largest naval forces globally. Its primary mission is to protect China's maritime interests, secure its sea lanes, and maintain a regional and, increasingly, global presence.

The People's Liberation Army Navy was established in 1949, following the Chinese Civil War. In its early years, it was a coastal defense force with limited capabilities. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Chinese Navy began to grow with the assistance of the Soviet Union. It acquired destroyers, submarines, and other vessels. The Chinese Navy played a role in conflicts such as the Korean War and various border skirmishes with Taiwan.

The 1970s marked a transition towards modernization. Despite some internal challenges, the Navy started to focus on indigenous development, reducing dependence on foreign technology. During the 1980s and 1990s, the focus on naval modernization intensified, laying the groundwork for a blue-water navy capable of operating far from China's shores.

In the early 21st century, the Chinese Navy rapidly expanded its capabilities. Efforts were made to transform it into a modern, technologically advanced force capable of undertaking various roles, from humanitarian assistance to power projection. The Chinese Navy's area of operation also grew, encompassing not just the coastal waters but also extending to the open seas.

Historically, the Chinese Navy was focused on coastal defense. However, the strategic focus has gradually shifted to "far sea defense" and power projection. This involves safeguarding China's maritime interests and protecting its overseas investments and citizens. Exercises, joint operations with other countries, and participation in international missions have become more frequent.

The evolution of the Chinese Navy from a coastal defense force to a modern navy reflects China's changing geopolitical and economic interests. The emphasis on technological innovation, combined with the growing need to protect China's global interests, has been central to the PLAN's development. The Navy's role in asserting territorial claims in the South China Sea, combined with its growing international presence, has brought increased attention to its activities and capabilities.

Key facts

Number of active ships by category