Infographic map
Where China's navy operates
Ninian Carter, Tonia Cowan, Mark MacKinnon AND Danielle Adams
From Saturday's Globe and Mail
Published
Last updated
China's bulked-up navy proves gun boats still matter on the high seas.
Scroll to see selections of the map where China operates.
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Map showing China's naval power in the region.
CHINA
By some counts, China may already possess more principal combat ships – submarines, destroyers, frigates etc. – than the U.S., though the American craft are considered far superior. However, with Chinese military spending increasing substantially each year, that gap is narrowing. China’s recent military advances include: the world’s first anti-ship ballistic missiles, called carrier killers, which are for use against major vessels such as aircraft carriers; China’s first aircraft carrier, a Soviet-built vessel expected to set to sea this year or next; new J-20 stealth fighter jets; and a new model of stealth submarine.
Submarines: 65
Principal surface combat vessels: 80
Vessel estimates are from the International Institute for Strategic Studies
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VIETNAM
Submarines: 2
Principal surface combat vessels: 11
TAIWAN
Submarines: 4
Principal surface combat vessels: 26
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THE PHILIPPINES
Submarines: 0
Principal surface combat vessels: 1
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MALAYSIA
Submarines: 2
Principal surface combat vessels: 12
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NORTH KOREA
Submarines: 63
Principal surface combat vessels: 8
SOUTH KOREA
Submarines: 13
Principal surface combat vessels: 47
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JAPAN
In light of recent tensions in the region, the Japanese government has announced a major shift for its Self-Defence Forces. The army will slash spending on tanks and invest in new submarines and warships to create what it calls a dynamic defence system.
Submarines: 16
Principal surface combat vessels: 52
