CMSI Translations #25: A New Pillar for Distant Oceans: Concepts for the Chinese Navy's New Generation of General-Purpose Destroyers

Authors

Ying Tian

Files

Description

A recent unconfirmed rumor about the Chinese Navy developing a new general-purpose guidedmissile destroyer has stirred debate online. Many commenters argue that the Type 055 already offers exceptional capability across air defense, missile defense, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and general warfare roles, and is more than capable of meeting current mission needs. But because it’s expensive to build, it is not practical to produce in large numbers or to use for routine tasks, so it will likely remain a smaller part of the fleet. In contrast, the more affordable Type 052D class is limited by its size and displacement, which restricts how much it can be upgraded. As a result, it still cannot match the endurance or sustained firepower of the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Publication Date

12-18-2025

Publisher

China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S Naval War College

City

Newport, Rhode Island

Keywords

China Maritime Studies Institute, CMSI, PLAN, destroyer, maritime strategy

Recommended Citation

Tian, Ying, "CMSI Translations #25: A New Pillar for Distant Oceans: Concepts for the Chinese Navy's New Generation of General-Purpose Destroyers" (2025). CMSI Translations. 33.
https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cmsi-translations/33