056 by the starboard of a 054A, very impressive comparison

[cinoti]

Type 056 is our littoral combatant vessel, also known as light frigates, it has been rolled out by big numbers without too much notice.

056 and 054A

New Reconnaissance Gathering Vessels with 054A

Type 056 can be used to conduct patrol missions and fleet assistance missions, it has a comparatively strong air defense capacity, no anti-sub hulls has been spotted yet but rumored existing.

Fitting stage, with more and more of these ship roll out, PLAN retired many older versions of frigates and patrol ship, many of them were reenlisted as maritime surveillance ship.

Pictures are taken in July 2012, these ship are believed have already entered active service.

and more are on the way

 

[W.G.Ewald]

Fitting stage, with more and more of these ship roll out, PLAN retired many older versions of frigates and patrol ship, many of them were reenlisted as maritime surveillance ship.

What are older frigates equipped with for new role, after weapons are removed?

 

[cinoti]

What are older frigates equipped with for new role, after weapons are removed?

They make a very good maritime surveillance ship due to their speed and solid construction ( in case of a tete-a-tete, if you know what I mean, haha) and most of the older ones are 2000 T displacement, quite agile and still big enough to match Japanese coast guard ship. and for your information, China is integrating its five maritime administration sections into one: China Coast Guard, with this name in place, you don't have to remove your guns, of course, you will go too far if you keep your YJ missiles. hahahah..