China will deploy the CCG3901 in the South China Sea. (Photo : YouTube)
China has finished building a second domestically produced coast guard ship, China Coast Guard (CCG) 3901, and it will probably deploy the ship in the South China Sea.
According to People, China will deploy the CCG3901 in the South China Sea to become a mainstay of the country's maritime law enforcement in that region. The new vessel joins another 10,000-tonne Chinese ship that was reportedly completed last year and patrols the East China Sea as the largest coast guard patrol ship globally.
The move is meant to increase China's presence in the contested South China Seas waters, just a day after a senior retired People's Liberation Army (PLA) official revealed that the Chinese military would possibly carry out test flights from a controversial airport in the disputed Spratly Islands.
Meanwhile, Japan has decided that its P-3C patrol aircraft coming back from anti-piracy activities off the Somalia coast will first stop at the bases of nations facing the South China Sea, including Vietnam and the Philippines, according to Yomiuri Shimbun via Straits Times.
The completion and scheduled deployment of China's second monster coast patrol vessel will be essential for the country's maritime enforcement strategy.
It is reported that the vessel has a displacement of 12,000 tonnes in addition to a speed of 25 knots. Furthermore, the ship comes with a 76mm quick-firing main gun, two anti-aircraft guns, and two secondary guns.
CCG3901, which has a similar design as the CCG2901 deployed last year, comes with a helicopter pad as well.
According to military expert Song Zhongping, China requires such an enormous ship because of its planned goal to patrol the South China Sea that stretches for 2,000km. A bigger ship can stay at sea longer, carry more supplies, and hold a bigger crew. The ship is also effective in the event there is a clash with other vessels.
Song said, "Given the distance and resources that are needed for such a vast area, it's no surprise China built a ship of this size. It's necessary."
Experts have pointed out that China is expanding its coast guard at a fast rate in order to strengthen its naval capability. However, the move comes amid heightened tension in the South China Sea, as the country is perceived to be very assertive in its territorial claims that overlap with those of ASEAN states.
