The Chinese navy celebrates its modernization and upgrading of training skills. (Photo : Getty Images)
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is increasing its influence over the East China Sea by deploying its destroyer flotilla in its frontline.
Xu Haihua, the captain of the flotilla, said, "As a combat troop, the fundamental mission is our ability to win. There is no doubt about our fighting strength."
Known as the "iron fist of the sea", the flotilla has sophisticated equipment and crewmen have superior naval skills.
The two destroyers are named Fuzhou and the Hangzhou and have cutting edge technology in terms of size, firepower, seaworthiness, and anti-ship capabilities.
The flotilla was also used in the recent naval exercises with Russia in the East China Sea.
"First, it boosted our modernization and equipment development; second, we learned a whole new set of skills through operating the vessels; last, we cultivated lots of elite seamen," Xu said.
Xu explained that his troops had training that was mission-oriented. He said, "First we should make clear what mission the troops are undertaking, and what environment and opponents the troops will face before they receive training on how to defend and attack."
He added that training with the Russians and "introducing the destroyers brought lots of progress, including training methods, combat conception, and equipment upgrading."
Meanwhile, Japan recently expressed support to the U.S. Naval fleet in its intention to uphold the UNCLOS decision on China's claim to the South China Sea.
Japan's newly-appointed Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, said that "Japan strongly supports the US Navy's Freedom of Navigation operations."
She added, "Japan, for its part, will increase its engagement in the South China Sea through, for example, Maritime Self-Defense Force joint training cruises with the US Navy and bilateral and multilateral exercises with regional navies."
