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Published 16:55 IST, January 28th 2025

With New Stealth Frigate, China Signals Growing Naval Ambitions in South China Sea

China has officially commissioned its latest warship, the Luohe, a Type 054B frigate designed to enhance its naval capabilities.

Reported by: Yuvraj Tyagi
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Type 054B frigate Luohe
Type 054B frigate Luohe | Image: AP

TAIPEI, Taiwan — China’s navy just took a big step forward, officially bringing its newest warship, the Luohe, into service. This sleek and powerful frigate isn’t just a flex of military muscle—it’s a message to the world. As Beijing continues to grow its already massive navy, this latest move shows it’s doubling down on its ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea.

The Luohe is the first of China’s new Type 054B frigates, a serious upgrade to its predecessor with stealth capabilities, advanced radar systems, and a well-rounded arsenal of missiles and machine guns. It’s not lightweight either, clocking in at around 5,000 tons. The Chinese navy says this frigate will be a key player in “enhancing combat effectiveness,” and analysts agree—it’s built to be a workhorse for Beijing’s naval fleet.

Outpacing the Competition

China’s navy is already the largest in the world when it comes to the sheer number of ships. With over 230 warships compared to the U.S. Navy’s 219, China has the numbers game locked down. However, critics have pointed out that quantity doesn’t always mean quality. The U.S. still holds an edge in technology and operational experience, but Beijing is clearly playing catch-up fast.

The new Type 054B is part of that catch-up strategy. It’s versatile, high-tech, and ready to take on a variety of roles, from patrolling contested waters to supporting broader naval operations. And it’s not alone—at least two more of these frigates are reportedly already in the water, with another one under construction.

The South China Sea Showdown

Why is China building up its navy at breakneck speed? A big reason lies in the South China Sea. This stretch of water is a strategic goldmine, hosting vital shipping routes and untapped energy reserves. China claims nearly all of it, even though a U.N.-backed ruling in 2016 shot down most of those claims. Still, Beijing has been busy militarizing islands and deploying its fleet, while the U.S. and allies like Japan and Australia push back with their own naval patrols.

And then there’s Taiwan, the self-ruled island just 100 miles from China’s coast. Beijing has made no secret of its goal to bring Taiwan under its control, by force if necessary. The Luohe and other ships like it are a big part of China’s strategy to back up that threat.

Global Reach, Regional Tensions

The Luohe isn’t just about regional dominance. China has been sending its navy further afield, too, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. These deployments are as much about projecting power as they are about protecting Beijing’s growing web of trade and investments around the globe.

But even with its expanding fleet, China isn’t invincible. Recent war games have shown that in a head-to-head clash with the U.S., China would likely lose a significant number of ships. The catch? Beijing has the resources to absorb those losses and keep fighting, which makes its growing navy a serious challenge for the U.S. and its allies.

What’s Next?

For now, the Luohe is just one ship. But it’s a symbol of something bigger—China’s determination to rewrite the rules of the maritime game. As Beijing ramps up its shipbuilding and pushes its navy further into contested waters, the stakes are rising.

The South China Sea, already a hotspot for diplomatic and military standoffs, is becoming even more crowded. With the Luohe now in action, expect more patrols, more close encounters, and more tension in one of the world’s most contested regions. The message from Beijing is clear: its navy isn’t just growing—it’s gearing up. 

Updated 16:55 IST, January 28th 2025