01.10.2009
Chinese Navy plans to possess not only submarines, destroyers and frigates but also domestically made aircraft carrier.
This year, sending ships to Somali coast, Chinese mariners for the first time accomplished the mission of navigation guard far from own territorial waters.
Chinese Navy more and more actively counteracts the US ships patrolling Pacific coastline; sometimes fishing and auxiliary vessels are also involved in direct actions. Until recently Chinese Navy had been performing coast guard functions, however, as far as new ships are being commissioned, it will be able to compete with the US Navy in open sea as well.
According to experts, China's military budget annually increases on 14-17 %, and will probably rise even more because of funds released during land forces reduction.
Supposedly, Chinese People's Liberation Army will be reduced on 700 000 men. Only land forces are presently include 2.3 mln men. The decision is to be made after military parade conducted today in Beijing in honor of 60th anniversary of People's Republic of China.
Source: RusNavy.com
