China's navy has introduced a new-generation frigate amidst rising competition with the United States and other regional powers, stating that the vessel will "play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness" of its forces.

Although China already possesses the largest navy in the world in terms of number of ships, its technology is sometimes regarded as less advanced. The United States, China’s primary competitor, has expressed concerns about being outnumbered and has called for an accelerated shipbuilding program and reforms to bring damaged vessels back into service more quickly.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) primarily operates near China's eastern coast and in the vast and strategically important South China Sea, which China claims nearly in full. A critical mission for the navy is to support the army in any potential attack on Taiwan, a self-governed island democracy located approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) off the Chinese coast. Beijing has vowed to annex Taiwan by force if deemed necessary.

The first Type 054B frigate, named Luohe, was officially commissioned on Wednesday in Qingdao, a northern port city and home to the PLAN’s northern fleet.

The Luohe has a displacement of roughly 5,000 tons and features stealth capabilities, advanced combat command systems, and integrated firepower, which the navy described as "significantly enhancing overall performance."

“With strong capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the warship will play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of naval task forces,” it further said.

According to defence reports, the Luohe is equipped with a range of armaments, including machine guns for close combat and anti-air and anti-ship missiles. Some sources suggest this ship could become a key asset in China’s navy.

While the official statement did not mention future Type 054B ships, it is believed that at least two additional vessels have already been launched, with another currently under construction. China now operates around 234 warships, compared to the 219 in the US Navy. This includes about 50 frigates and the same number of destroyers.

 In addition, China has two active aircraft carriers, another undergoing sea trials, and a large and powerful coast guard. Recent military exercises have shown that while China would suffer significant losses in a hypothetical conflict with the US, it could still absorb those losses and continue to fight.

The PLAN has increasingly expanded its operations beyond its regional waters, sending ships to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean to showcase China’s growing economic and diplomatic influence. PLAN and Chinese coast guard vessels have also patrolled the East China Sea, where China claims a group of uninhabited islands under Japanese control. Although  planes and ships of China and Japan have come into contact, no shots have been fired in these incidents. The US and other countries have purposefully sailed near some of these islands, including artificial ones, to challenge China’s territorial claims. Beijing rejected an UN-backed court ruling that dismissed most of its claims in the South China Sea.