China’s Navy Unveils New Frigate Amid Rising South China Sea Tensions

China's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, on January 22, 2025, at a military port in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province. (Photo: Xinhua)

China has added a new-generation frigate to its naval fleet, underscoring its drive to bolster maritime strength amid intensifying competition with the United States and other powers.

The commissioning of the Luohe, the first Type 054B frigate, was marked Wednesday in Qingdao, home to the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)’s northern fleet.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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