The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) announced the completion of its second "island encirclement exercise" of the Republic of China (Taiwan) this month.
A small PLAN squadron consisting of only two warships, the Type 052C guided missile destroyer CNS Jinan (152) and the Type 054A frigate CNS Huanggang (577) from the PLAN Eastern Theater Command, conducted the island encirclement exercise, as well as real combat exercises. It also entered Taiwan's "Air Defense Identification Zone" (ADIZ) and stayed inside this ADIZ for more than a week, said PLAN in a statement.
The squadron sailed through straits and waterways off Taiwan, including the Bashi Channel and the Taiwan Strait. It also successfully examined tactics and training procedures by teaming-up with other PLAN warships, aviation forces and coastal defense forces in multiple sea areas, the PLAN's report stated.
This is the first time a Type 052C destroyer conducted this kind of an operation.
The Type 052C guided missile destroyer is also called the "Chinese Aegis" in reference to the U.S. Navy's "Aegis Combat System" that uses a powerful computer and radar technology to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. PLAN claims its Type 052C destroyers are equipped with a phased array radar system and an air defense missile system similar to that used by the U.S. Navy.
PLAN and the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) are increasing the frequency of military exercises around Taiwan. One military commentator said it's normal and legitimate for China to send strong signals like this to Taiwan's leadership.
PLAN has long known it must be able to deal with the Republic of China Armed Forces, and also with the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in the event of war breaking out following a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. That invasion might take place before 2020.
