People's Liberation Army Navy

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is the naval branch of China's armed forces and is responsible for safeguarding China's maritime interests. Established in 1949, it has evolved from a small coastal defense force into a modern blue-water navy capable of power projection beyond China's shores. The PLAN operates various vessels, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and destroyers, and plays a key role in China’s defense strategy, regional security operations, and international naval exercises. Its growth reflects China's ambitions as a global maritime power, emphasizing a focus on securing trade routes and asserting territorial claims in disputed waters.