Given the annual increase of over 15 per cent in its military budget, it is little wonder that the Middle Kingdom’s Navy has in a very short time reached third place in the world ranking of major navies in terms of tonnage.

The former Russian aircraft carrier Varyag, officially bought by a Chinese businessman for conversion into a floating casino, will soon be completed as a training aircraft carrier whilst awaiting the completion of a 48,000-tonne carrier. Additionally, two new Jin class SSBNs have appeared, each carrying 12 Ju Lang 2 strategic missiles. Two Shang class new-generation SSNs have also just entered service to add to the three most recent Han class. Advances have also been seen in conventional submarines, with a total of 50 modern boats now in service.

China now has ten air defence ships, four of which are of Russian build. Following the entry into service in 2005 of the two Jiangkai I stealth frigates, delivery has begun of an improved type, Jiangkai II, fitted with medium-range surface-to-air missiles. At least three frigates of this class are in service and a further two under construction.