China Launches Most Advanced Destroyer

China’s navy has launched it’s biggest and most advanced domestically-produced warship.

The Type 055 is being hailed as the first of the People's Liberation Army Navy's "new generation" of guided-missile destroyers.

Once heavily dependent on foreign technology, the latest ship represents the rising sophistication of China's defence industries

The vessel is reported to be equipped with the latest air, missile, ship and submarine defence systems and is believed to be the first of four ships.

The 10,000-tonne Type 055 appears to be roughly equivalent to the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class of destroyer.

China has been deploying warships at a rapid rate as it seeks to modernizes its armed forces.

State media said that the navy commissioned 18 ships, including destroyers, corvettes and guided-missile frigates in 2016.

The launch comes at a time of rising competition with other naval powers such as the United States, Japan and India.