People's Liberation Army Navy Surface Force

The People's Liberation Army Navy Surface Force is the surface warfare branch of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), consisting of all surface vessels in operational service with the PLAN. The PLAN Surface Force operates 661 ships organized into three fleets: the North Sea Fleet, the East Sea Fleet and the South Sea Fleet.

Since the late 20th century, the People's Liberation Army Navy has been turning away from its traditional focus on coastal and littoral warfare and instead prioritizing the development of blue water capabilities. This led to a significant reduction in overall fleet numbers as the PLAN has replaced a larger number of smaller ships with a smaller number of larger, more capable and versatile ships, including destroyers, frigates, corvettes, amphibious warfare ships and large auxiliary ships. However the growing number of "blue water" capable warships has risen, and fleet numbers are projected to reach more than 500 units by the close of the 2020s. Meanwhile, according to the China Military Power Report published by the Pentagon, as of October 2023, China has the numerically largest navy in the world with an overall battle force of approximately 370 surface ships and submarines, including over 140 major surface combatants^[1] — in comparison, according to the U.S. Naval Vessel Register, the United States Navy's battle force is approximately 292 ships and submarines.^[2]