The Type 055 large destroyer Xianyang (Hull 108) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy holds a training mission for combat readiness in the South China Sea in February 2024. Photo: Screenshot from China Central Television

At least three Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy task forces led by Type 055 large destroyers conducted exercises and combat patrols in and beyond the South China Sea over the past month, with experts saying on Thursday that this type of world-class warship has reached complete operational capability, and their deployment will contribute to peace and stability amid recent tensions in the region.

A destroyer detachment under the navy of the PLA Southern Theater Command recently organized a training task force consisting of the Type 055 large destroyer Zunyi, the Type 052C destroyer Haikou, the Type 052D destroyer Kunming and the Type 054A frigate Xianning in a combat exercise in the South China Sea, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday.

The exercise included courses covering anti-ship, anti-air and anti-submarine tasks, which laid solid foundations for carrying out flexible military maneuvers and dealing with complex situations, the report said.

On May 2, four PLA Navy vessels including the Type 055 large destroyer Dalian were spotted traversing the Sibutu Passage, Philippine media reported, citing a spokesperson at the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Sibutu Passage is a channel connecting the Sulu Sea with the Sulawesi Sea, also an important transit route for international trade between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean normally used for international navigation.

On April 21, CCTV reported that a task force led by another Type 055 large destroyer, the Xianyang, wrapped up a combat patrol and far seas exercise mission in the South China Sea, the eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.

The PLA Navy has commissioned eight Type 055 large destroyers as of 2024, with four of them in service with the Southern Theater Command facing the South China Sea.

Characterized by its large displacement of more than 10,000 tons and capability of sailing in far seas, the Type 055 large destroyer is adaptable in operating in the South China Sea, the eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Thursday.

These far seas exercises tested the comprehensive combat capabilities of this type of world-class warship, Fu said, noting that the Type 055s are now completely ready for combat.

The Type 055's frequent deployment in the South China Sea came amid recent tensions in the South China Sea stirred up by the Philippines and the US, with the two countries reportedly holding their largest Balikatan combat exercises in years from April 22 to May 10.

Fu said that at a time when some countries are holding provocative activities and exercises in the South China Sea, the Chinese drills show that China will not allow them to stir up trouble.

The complete operational capability of the Type 055s can contribute to the safeguard of national security as well as peace and stability in the world, Fu said.