Footage released by Chinese media shows four Type 055 guided missile destroyers – Nanchang (number 101), Lhasa (102), Anshan (103) and Wuxi (104) – operating in formation during the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s first maritime training exercise in the Yellow Sea in 2026.
According to an official statement, at the beginning of the new year, the ships unmoored and headed to designated areas in the Yellow Sea to carry out a series of training exercises emphasizing realistic combat scenarios.
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The training included live firing of naval guns against targets at sea, simulated engagements against land targets, the use of live ammunition and jamming bombs, and maneuver and command training in complex operational environments.
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The simultaneous deployment of the four ships demonstrates China’s surface fleet’s growing ability to conduct high-intensity joint operations that combine advanced sensors, long-range air defense, and powerful striking power.
The Type 055 destroyer is considered by international analysts to be a “cruiser-class” platform due to its size, weapons payload, and range of systems.
In parallel with the exercise, Chinese media reported that the Type 055 (Lenghai class) was a hypersonic anti-ship missile. YJ-21 He reiterated that the United States has the ability to neutralize high-value maritime targets, including U.S. aircraft carriers.
Experts say the claims are part of a messaging and deterrence strategy aimed at influencing risk assessments by the U.S. Navy and countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia.
No actual engagements with hostile forces were reported. But the strategic message has been sent — and is being received.
Source/Image: China Military Online. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
