(Photo/People.cn)

"China's first home-grown 10,000-tonne class missile destroyer is the most advanced in terms tonnage, informatization, and firepower," said Zhang Junshe, a researcher at the Naval Military Academic Research Institute in China, pointing out its superiority and significance to the Chinese navy.

Destroyer 055 is the first 10,000-tonne destroyer in China. According to Zhang, it fills the domestic gap of constructing large warships and reflects in the overall design, marking the new level of the development of Chinese navy.

Better information integration was achieved and defense capabilities were improved. The destroyer is also equipped with heavier firepower, and can carry more missiles because of the increased tonnage, which contributes to its excellent defense capabilities.

The advanced integrated operations capability of Destroyer 055 will enhance the navy's defense capabilities, as well as promote the strategic transformation of the Chinese navy, especially with regard to protecting the nation, Zhang said, expressing great confidence in the new destroyer. He has also pointed out the importance of sea lane security, as China increases its overseas investments in energy, and noted the important role the new destroyer can play in this regard.

What's more, Zhang mentioned that the new 10,000-tonne missile destroyer will help China's navy better undertake its international obligations and responsibilities, and providing more security for the international community, raising the example of the anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden.

Talking about the future of Destroyer 055, Zhang hopes it will join the naval formation consisting of the Liaoning aircraft carrier. As can be seen in other countries, such 10,000-tonne destroyers have strong defense advantages, he said, adding that they play a significant role in protecting the security of carriers.