Images released by Chinese media show four Type 055 guided missile destroyers — Nanchang (hull 101), Lhasa (102), Anshan (103) and Wuxi (104) — operating in formation during the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s first 2026 maritime training in the Yellow Sea.
According to official information, at the beginning of the new year the ships suspended moorings and headed to a designated area of the Yellow Sea, where they carried out a series of activities with an emphasis on scenarios close to real combat.
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Among the courses held are real shooting with naval cannons against maritime targets, simulated engagements on land, use of ammunition and jamming bombs with real fire, as well as maneuver and command training in complex operational situations.
The joint presence of the four ships highlights the Chinese surface fleet’s growing ability to conduct high-intensity integrated operations, combining advanced sensors, long-range air defense and strike power.
Type 055 destroyers are considered, by international analysts, to be “cruiser” level platforms due to their size, weapons load and the range of their systems.
Parallel to the exercise, Chinese media outlets once again stated that the Type 055 (Renhai class) would have the capacity to neutralize high-value naval targets, including United States aircraft carriers, through the use of hypersonic anti-ship missiles. YJ-21.
Experts note that such statements are part of a messaging and deterrence strategy designed to influence risk assessment by navies of the United States and countries in the Indo-Pacific region, such as Australia.
There were no reports of actual engagement against opposing forces. The strategic message, however, has been sent — and is being heard.
Source and images: China Military Online. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
