Chinese military tests advanced 055 destroyer Dalian on evacuation mission skills

Undated exercise by Dalian crew is the first known simulated evacuation by a Type 055 guided-missile destroyer as PLA holds up peacekeeping image

96-hour drills test speedy security and identity checks for fleeing nationals as well as command capabilities of first officer

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The simulation exercise tested the crew’s performance under time constraints and logistical challenges during evacuation missions, according to China’s state broadcaster. Photo: CCTV

Published: 11:00pm, 14 Jun 2023Updated: 12:02am, 15 Jun 2023

One of China’s most advanced naval destroyers has been put through days of simulation training for the evacuation of Chinese nationals from war-torn countries.

The undated exercise, reported by state broadcaster CCTV, is the first time a Type 055 guided-missile destroyer is known to have taken part in such an exercise.

Simulated evacuation procedures carried out by the crew of the Dalian included security and identity checks for Chinese nationals arriving at a foreign port to flee a country at war.

The 96-hour command exercise also assessed Captain Feng Bowen, the first officer of the Dalian, on anti-missile and sea-combat operations. Passing the test could earn Feng a commanding post on the 10,000-tonne large destroyer, according to Monday’s CCTV report.

“For non-war military activities, time is tight, the task is heavy and the seas are unfamiliar,” Feng told CCTV. “Putting these items to the test helps us test our ability to perform diversified military tasks.”

Such training allowed the Chinese navy to carry out more humanitarian work, he said.