South China Sea, July 22 -- According to the U.S. [SS1] [SS2] Department of Defense (DoD), China's navy "is the largest navy in the world with a battle force of over 370 platforms [i.e., ships], including major surface combatants, submarines, ocean-going amphibious ships, mine warfare ships, aircraft carriers, and fleet auxiliaries. Notably, this figure does not include approximately 60 HOUBEI-class patrol combatants that carry anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM). The. overall battle force [of China's navy] is expected to grow to 395 ships by 2025 and 435 ships by 2030".

Unprecedented Investment in Navy

Why does China need such a large naval force? According to Admiral (Retd) Arun Prakash[SS3], a former Indian Navy chief, no nation has eve...