Stronger navy needed to protect interests

The CNS Liaoning, which docked in Hong Kong on Friday marking the 20th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Garrison in the special administrative region, was open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, which not only allowed Hong Kong residents to get a first glimpse of the aircraft carrier but also helped instill in them a deeper sense of patriotism.

More than a week ago, on June 28, the PLA Navy launched its latest and first domestically destroyer in Shanghai. The 10,000-metric-ton vessel will be equipped with cutting-edge air defense, missile defense, anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles. As the first of China's new generation guided-missile destroyer class, or Type 055 class as experts call it, the new vessel will soon conduct mooring and sailing tests.

The vessel is a milestone in China's efforts to build a modern navy and improve its armament system. In order to build a stronger navy to protect its maritime and sovereign interests, China needs large guided-missile destroyers now that it has commissioned two aircraft carriers.