Second is the strong performance of its onboard weapons. Equipped with long-range air-defense and missile-defense systems as well as long-range anti-ship missiles, the vessel also possesses long-range land-attack capabilities, giving it strong capabilities in air defense, missile defense and strikes against both sea and land targets, said Zhang.

　　According to Zhang, the Type 055 has multiple operational roles. First, it can serve as a core escort for carrier strike groups, playing a key protective role. Second, it can operate with large amphibious assault ships such as the Type 075 and Type 076 to form amphibious strike groups, providing air-defense and sea-control cover for amphibious assault operations and supporting long-range landing missions.

　　Third, it can lead its own task group, working with vessels such as Type 052C and Type 052D guided-missile destroyers and Type 054A and Type 054B frigates to form long-range maritime strike groups capable of independently conducting offensive and defensive missions in distant seas, or operating alongside carrier and amphibious groups in comprehensive blue-water operations, thereby enhancing the Chinese navy"s far-seas combat capabilities, Zhang added.

　　More Type 055 destroyers also mean that China"s ability to maintain a presence in distant seas will see further improvement, Wang said. This enhancement in capability will have far-reaching significance not only for the development of the navy and the advancement of national defense, but also for the maintenance of regional peace and stability.

　　"The current number of Type 055 10,000-ton-class destroyers is still insufficient. In the future, their construction should continue to expand to meet the Chinese navy"s multiple needs in far-seas defense operations, the protection of maritime lines of communication, and the safeguarding of overseas interests," Zhang added.