China’s relentless push to expand its naval fleet has been nothing short of remarkable. In a span of just a few decades, the PLAN has grown from a modest coastal defense force to a blue-water navy capable of operating far from its shores. This expansion includes advanced destroyers, frigates, submarines, and even aircraft carriers. However, while the numbers are impressive, the quality and operational readiness of these vessels have often been called into question. China’s rapid growth has often prioritized quantity over quality, leading to technological vulnerabilities and operational inefficiencies.
Despite its large fleet, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) lacks real-world combat experience. The last major naval conflict China engaged in was the Sino-Vietnamese War in 19791. This lack of experience raises questions about the PLAN’s effectiveness in actual combat situations.
Unlike the United States Navy and other QUAD navies, which have been engaged in multiple conflicts and joint operations worldwide, China’s navy has not faced significant combat since the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War. The United States Navy, for instance, has participated in numerous high-intensity conflicts such as the Gulf Wars, the Vietnam War, and various other operations across the globe. Similarly, the navies of India, Japan, and Australia have also been involved in joint exercises and real-world operations, enhancing their combat readiness and interoperability.
In contrast, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has largely focused on regional power projection and has not been tested in large-scale, modern naval combat. This lack of recent combat experience raises questions about the PLAN’s ability to perform effectively in high-stakes, unpredictable scenarios.
China’s naval drills in the South China Sea often emphasize choreographed maneuvers rather than realistic combat simulations. These exercises typically involve scripted scenarios and predetermined outcomes, which can create an illusion of operational readiness and capability. While these drills showcase China’s ability to mobilize and coordinate its forces, they may not accurately reflect the complexities and unpredictability of actual combat situations.
Realistic combat simulations require dynamic and unscripted scenarios that test the decision-making and adaptability of military personnel under stress. These types of drills are crucial for preparing forces for real-world conflicts, where conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably.
Despite China’s significant investment in maritime forces, many of its vessels are plagued by technological vulnerabilities. Issues such as outdated equipment, cybersecurity weaknesses, and maintenance challenges can undermine their operational effectiveness. There are persistent issues with the reliability and performance of its equipment.
Reports of technological setbacks, such as problems with propulsion systems, sensors, and weapons, highlight these vulnerabilities. Additionally, the PLAN’s rapid expansion has sometimes come at the expense of thorough testing and quality assurance, leading to concerns about the long-term durability and effectiveness of its fleet. This disparity between the image of power and actual capabilities creates an illusion of strength.
Several examples highlight the technological and operational challenges faced by China’s defense industry.
For instance, China’s aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, are indeed still in the early stages of developing effective carrier strike capabilities. Both carriers are configured as Short Take-Off Barrier Arrested (STOBAR) and Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested (CATOBAR), respectively, which are essential for launching and recovering aircraft.
While the Liaoning and Shandong represent significant strides in China’s naval ambitions, their journey towards fully effective carrier strike capabilities is ongoing. The dual-carrier drills and continuous training are steps in the right direction, but achieving operational excellence will require time, experience, and technological advancements.
Another prime example of China’s domestically developed weapons systems falling short of their advertised capabilities is the Type 055 destroyers, part of China’s ambitious naval modernization program, designed to enhance its blue-water operational capabilities. Despite their advanced features, including stealth technology and a sophisticated vertical launching system, the reliability of these systems has been called into question Notably, in 2020, a Type 055 destroyer suffered propulsion problems during its first deployment, necessitating an early return to port.
Adding to the list was the sinking of China’s latest nuclear submarine under construction in Wuhan, in mid-2024. The incident occurred at the Wuchang Shipyard near Wuhan, where the Type 041 Zhou-class nuclear-powered attack submarine was undergoing construction. Satellite imagery captured the submarine partially submerged at the shipyard, indicating a significant accident3. This mishap has raised serious questions about the quality control measures and project oversight within China’s defense industry. The incident not only delays the deployment of the Zhou-class submarine but also casts doubt on the overall reliability and safety of China’s indigenous defense projects.
What’s more, the sinking of China’s newest nuclear submarine has drawn international attention and raised concerns about potential radiation leaks and casualties among the personnel involved. China’s attempts to cover up the accident have been criticized, with US officials calling for greater transparency and accountability. These issues highlight the challenges China faces in achieving technological parity with other leading naval powers.
China’s maritime forces are also hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and logistical challenges. Coordinating complex operations across the vast expanse of the South China Sea requires seamless integration and effective communication. However, internal delays, miscommunication, and resource mismanagement can impede their overall effectiveness.
While China asserts dominance in the South China Sea, regional players and international allies are bolstering their defenses and conducting freedom of navigation operations. This collective pushback disrupts China’s narrative of unchallenged control and highlights the limitations of its maritime power.
The perception of China’s maritime power is often inflated by impressive displays and strategic posturing. However, technological vulnerabilities, lack of combat experience, operational inefficiencies, and international pushback reveal the cracks in this facade. Understanding these limitations is crucial for a more balanced perspective on the actual state of China’s maritime capabilities.
