China’s fourth 13,000 tonnes Type 055 destroyer to enter service next month, sources say

[MH.Yang]

Or they could put them through a refit. They have been refitting much less capable ships into relatively modern vessels, so they can last another decade or two. Why wouldn’t they try to do the same to the Type 052C (VLS upgrade would be the most important as well as secure encrypted Comms, I assume), or at least deploy them to second tier but long range tasks like SLOC protection in the Indian Ocean. A fleet of Type 052C protecting a Ski-Jump carrier would still be a potent force against the Indian navy or any other navy trying to cut a Chinese SLOC.

I think when China deploys its navy in Djibouti, the lineup should be one CA (Liaoning), three 055, 5 SSNs (3 091, 2 093), 4 071, 6 052C, 2 052D and 10 054A. In addition, 10 air regiments are required, mainly equipped with J11, J15&J31.

 

[FuturePAF]

I think when China deploys its navy in Djibouti, the lineup should be one CA (Liaoning), three 055, 5 SSNs (3 091, 2 093), 4 071, 6 052C, 2 052D and 10 054A. In addition, 10 air regiments are required, mainly equipped with J11, J15&J31.

But all of that in one place would be risky. Do you think China will work with other East African countries to build larger bases?

Perhaps Eritrea or Somalia would be open to hosting Chinese bases like the one in Djibouti.

 

[MH.Yang]

But all of that in one place would be risky. Do you think China will work with other East African countries to build larger bases?

Perhaps Eritrea or Somalia would be open to hosting Chinese bases like the one in Djibouti. In exchange for massive infrastructure investments.

Somalia for example is the most perfect situated country in Africa for both Solar and wind power potential at the cheapest cost, and is located on the eastern coast of Africa on the equator making it perfect for an African Satellite launch site. Also a great place to build transit links with Southern and SouthWestern Africa through Kenya.

While Eritrea could link the Chinese port in Djibouti by rail to Sudan and a trans-African Chinese operated rail network all the way to West Africa.

For historical reasons, the Chinese are very wary of imperialism and chauvinism. PLA usually faces the pressure of domestic public opinion when building foreign military bases. At present, China has the management right of many ports abroad, such as Piraeus-port in Greece, Bosheng-port&Sittwe-port in Myanmar, etc. in Africa alone, China has the management right of more than 20 ports for decades. Most of these ports are built by military enterprises, but only Djibouti is a military port. The construction of Djibouti overseas base was actually a probing of domestic public opinion by the military. Although the PLA used the "Djibouti active invitation" and other reasons, it still encountered a lot of opposition. So I think the PLA will be very cautious about continuing to expand overseas bases. There is no very urgent demand. I'm afraid the PLA will not be willing to add new overseas bases.

Do you remember the rumor in October that the PLA would take over the Afghan airport? At that time, all PDF Chinese members did not believe this rumor, and it was the same reason.


List of African ports leased by China:

 

[CAPRICORN-88]

By the time China is through with the type 055 program, there will be at least 40 in different variants.

 

[FuturePAF]

For historical reasons, the Chinese are very wary of imperialism and chauvinism. PLA usually faces the pressure of domestic public opinion when building foreign military bases. At present, China has the management right of many ports abroad, such as Piraeus-port in Greece, Bosheng-port&Sittwe-port in Myanmar, etc. in Africa alone, China has the management right of more than 20 ports for decades. Most of these ports are built by military enterprises, but only Djibouti is a military port. The construction of Djibouti overseas base was actually a probing of domestic public opinion by the military. Although the PLA used the "Djibouti active invitation" and other reasons, it still encountered a lot of opposition. So I think the PLA will be very cautious about continuing to expand overseas bases. There is no very urgent demand. I'm afraid the PLA will not be willing to add new overseas bases.

Do you remember the rumor in October that the PLA would take over the Afghan airport? At that time, all PDF Chinese members did not believe this rumor, and it was the same reason.


List of African ports leased by China:
View attachment 791917

It’s good you say the PLA is wary of building more overseas bases. This stance is good for trade and partner nations know there is no ulterior motive for the port construction.

Do you think in the event that the SLOCs need to be protected, this may change?

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Impressive Tonnage ,

13,000 Ton vs the 3,000 Ton ships Pakistan operate

Seems like a large ship

 

[Shotgunner51]

in Africa alone, China has the management right of more than 20 ports

Exactly, it also tells how intense is China's maritime interests in IOR, Djibouti base alone is far from enough

I think when China deploys its navy in Djibouti, the lineup should be one CA (Liaoning), three 055, 5 SSNs (3 091, 2 093), 4 071, 6 052C, 2 052D and 10 054A. In addition, 10 air regiments are required, mainly equipped with J11, J15&J31.

Unlikely, small base like Djibouti serves more as a logistics hub, no overhaul/maintenance facility, no ships can be perm based there. It's also right next to bases of US, Japan & France, making the base vulnerable to spying. PLAN must develop real bases elsewhere.

But all of that in one place would be risky. Do you think China will work with other East African countries to build larger bases?

CNSA/PLASSF already operating two space monitoring bases in Africa: Swakopmund (Namibia) and Malindi (Kenya), perhaps they will be expanded/upgraded to the one like in Patagonia (Argentina). China is the largest maritime country be it trade volume or investment amount, I think PLAN should develop naval bases as long as situation calls for it (seeking approval by host nations of course), and screw those "China Threat" or "Neo Colonialism" propaganda by the west. Is like when the west accuse you of "having weapon of mass destruction", you better really have it.

 

[Beast]

Impressive Tonnage ,

13,000 Ton vs the 3,000 Ton ships Pakistan operate

Seems like a large ship

PN now has a 4000 tons frigate.

 

[MajesticPug]

Exactly, it also tells how intense is China's maritime interests in IOR, Djibouti base alone is far from enough


Unlikely, small base like Djibouti serves more as a logistics hub, no overhaul/maintenance facility, no ships can be perm based there. It's also right next to bases of US, Japan & France, making the base vulnerable to spying. PLAN must develop real bases elsewhere.

CNSA/PLASSF already operating two space monitoring bases in Africa: Swakopmund (Namibia) and Malindi (Kenya), perhaps they will be expanded/upgraded to the one like in Patagonia (Argentina). China is the largest maritime country be it trade volume or investment amount, I think PLAN should develop naval bases as long as situation calls for it (seeking approval by host nations of course), and screw those "China Threat" or "Neo Colonialism" propaganda by the west. Is like when the west accuse you of "having weapon of mass destruction", you better really have it.

Agreed. Djibouti is right next to a US base and therefore not ideal to host a large number of Chinese naval vessels. Screw the Western propaganda of 'China threat'. China can't dance to the beat of this sort of propaganda. China should build more bases to protect its sea lanes and massive trade volumes. Remember the USN is the greatest threat China faces and that threat is real and gaining momentum.