Official media report reveals China’s first Type 055 destroyer, Nanchang, dispelling foreign vessels amid 8th anniversary

China's first Type 055 10,000-ton-class destroyer, the Nanchang, which was launched eight years ago on June 28, 2017, had once confronted two foreign warships in a "one-versus-two" standoff and forced them to retreat, China Central Television (CCTV) revealed on Saturday, marking the 8th anniversary of its launch.

At 6 am of an unspecified date, the battle alarm suddenly sounded aboard the Nanchang. Two foreign vessels had made sharp turns one after another, attempting to cut through the routine formation of the Chinese naval fleet.

"Our fleet was conducting routine operations in international waters when foreign warships loitered nearby. Their maneuvers showed clear intent to break through our formation. A warship is sovereign territory at sea—this was a blatant provocation," said Xu Wenqian of Nanchang, according to the CCTV report.

Despite repeated warnings, the foreign ships did not respond and continued trying to breach the Chinese formation. The Nanchang was forced to execute tactical maneuvers to block their path, Xu said.

"I could hear the commander constantly issuing helm orders. I made frequent adjustments to alter our ship's direction and stop them from traversing," Xu said.

Faced with the Nanchang's resolute countermeasures, the two foreign vessels found no chance to cut through and eventually left, according to the CCTV report.

The Type 055 missile destroyer marked a breakthrough in large destroyer design, integrating advanced technologies in overall architecture, information systems, and modular construction. With superior situational awareness, air defense, missile interception, and maritime strike power, it epitomizes the current pinnacle of China's naval technology. Its over 100 vertical launch cells can carry a mix of air-defense, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land-attack missiles, making it the Chinese People's Liberation Army PLA Navy's most heavily armed destroyer to date, per the CCTV report.

Previously, Chinese official media on Sunday released footage documenting J-15 fighter jets taking off from an aircraft carrier at an undisclosed location in Western Pacific to expel foreign aircraft believed to be attempting mock attacks on the Chinese carrier group.