White paper: China endeavors to build strong navy

Source: Xinhua | 01-20-2009 10:42

BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- China takes informationization as the "strategic priority" of its Navy's modernization drive, and endeavors to build a strong navy, says a white paper on China's National Defense in 2008 issued here Tuesday.

The white paper, issued by the Information Office of the State Council, says the Chinese Navy has innovated training programs and methods, highlighting training in maritime integrated joint operations. The integrated combat capability in conducting offshore campaigns and the capability of nuclear counterattacks has been strengthened.

There are three fleets under the Navy, namely, the Beihai Fleet, Donghai Fleet and Nanhai Fleet, which are headquartered respectively in Qingdao of Shandong Province, Ningbo of Zhejiang Province, and Zhanjiang of Guangdong Province.

Each fleet has under its command fleet aviation, support bases, flotillas, maritime garrison commands, aviation divisions and marine brigades. So far the Navy has eight educational institutions, according to the white paper.

Through nearly six decades of development, the Navy has become a modern force consisting of combined arms with both nuclear and conventional means of operations.

The Navy focuses on the integrated training of joint operations elements in conditions of informationization and explores methods of training in complex electromagnetic environments, says the white paper.

It organizes in a scientific way operational training, tactical training, specialized skill training and common subject training, and actively participates in bilateral and multilateral joint training exercises, it says.

Upgrading weaponry and equipment, the Navy endeavors to build new types of submarines, destroyers, frigates and aircraft, forming a preliminary weaponry and equipment system with second-generation equipment as the core and the third generation as the backbone.

The submarine force possesses underwater anti-ship, anti-submarine and mine-laying capabilities, as well as some nuclear counterattack capabilities, says the white paper.

The surface ship force has developed a surface striking force represented by new types of missile destroyers and frigates, and possesses maritime reconnaissance, anti-ship, anti-submarine, air-defense, mine-laying and other operational capabilities, it says.

The aviation wing has developed an air striking force represented by sea-attack aircraft, and possesses reconnaissance, anti-ship, anti-submarine and air-defense operational capabilities.

The Marine Corps has developed an amphibious operational force represented by amphibious armored vehicles, and possesses amphibious operational capabilities, according to the white paper.

Editor:Zhang Ning