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Minnie Chan

China is carefully forging closer links with other navies, but also sending a subtle message of its capability to protect its overseas interests, analysts said, as a flotilla of PLA ships visits more than 20 countries linked to the “Belt and Road” international trade initiative.
The ships, composed of the guided missile destroyer Changchun, the missile frigate Jingzhou and supply ship Chaohu, hosted the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte when it docked at Davao City for three days earlier this week.
The main aim of the flotilla is to build relationships with other navies in the countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia the vessels will visit in the coming months, according to the Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie.
Chinese navy to make first Philippines port call in seven years
All the ports the vessels will visit are in nations that are interested in joining China’s ‘Belt and Road” initiative, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
“History tell us that only when overseas economic projects and commercial activities are backed by a powerful naval fleet can they be sustainable” said Li.
“The ongoing friendly visits conducting by the People’s Liberation Army Navy aims at telling the visiting countries that China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative is not only a peaceful campaign, but also supported by a powerful naval force.”
Zhou Chenming, an analyst at the Knowfar Institute for Strategic and Defence Studies, said the Chinese navy “has dipped a toe in the water” by sending out the flotilla to see other countries’ response to China’s growing overseas interests and naval power.
“ China’s navy is now learning how to use soft power to build communication channels with other navies, even though it’s just a beginning,” he said.
The flotilla’s visits come amid ongoing territorial disputes between China and neighbouring countries in the South China Sea and concerns over China’s naval build-up around Asia.
China launches first home-built aircraft carrier in latest display of growing naval power
President Duterte told media during his visit to the Chinese flotilla that he was open to the idea of conducting joint military exercises with China in piracy-plagued waters near the coast of the island of Mindanao.
The Philippines President has also asked Beijing to send patrol ships to help fight against Islamic State-linked militants in the Sulu Sea since he came to power last year.
China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” now covers more than 60 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. However, the vast majority are developing countries such as the Philippines and Pakistan that are in need of money and aid from China. Beijing expects annual trade with these countries to be worth US$2.5 trillion within a decade – up from US$1 trillion in 2015.
The PLA naval flotilla set off on the voyage – its longest round-the-world tour – on April 24, one day after the 68th anniversary of the navy’s foundation.
The visits will convey friendship, deepen military communication and cooperation, plus present a good image of the Chinese navy, Admiral Miao Hua, Political Commissar of the PLA Navy, was quoted as saying by the state-run news agency Xinhua.
As overseas ambitions expand, China plans 400 per cent increase to marine corps numbers, sources say
The Shanghai-based maritime expert Ni Lexiong said China wanted to show the world it has both economic and military capabilities to promote its global trade initiative.
“China needs to show the world it’s now powerful enough to carry out its ‘Belt and Road’ plan, but it can’t flaunt too much force to scare small countries. The proper way is to use soft power. That’s the role the PLA naval flotilla is now playing.
“Having the capability to send naval fleets everywhere can convince other countries that China has the military might to match its great power status,” said Ni.


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China’s military

The subtle message behind China’s longest round-the-world naval tour

Chinese navy officers walk past a PLA ship during their port call at Davao City in the Philippines. Photo: Reuters

epa05938747 Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte (C) salutes Chinese Navy personnel as he tours a Chinese Naval ship during a visit in Davao city, southern Philippines, 01 May 2017. China's flotilla of vessels composed of Chang Chun (DDG 150)-a guided missile destroyer, Jin Zhou (FFG 532)-a guided missile frigate, and Chao Hu (890)-a replenishment ship are in Davao city for a four day goodwill visit. EPA/CERILO EBRANO

A resident waves miniature Philippine-Chinese flags as a Chinese naval ship departs after a visit in Davao city, southern Philippines May 2, 2017. REUTERS/Lean Daval Jr

Chinese navy to make first Philippines port call in seven years

The guided missile destroyer Changchun is one of three Chinese navy ships due to dock in the Philippines on Sunday. Photo: Handout