PLA Navy expedition group crosses equator

A Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy expedition group led by a Type 052D destroyer recently crossed the equator as it sailed further into the open sea.

The joint expedition training group affiliated with the PLA Navy Southern Theater Command recently conducted a line- crossing ceremony as the warships sailed past the equator, according to a video released by the PLA Navy on its Sina Weibo account on Thursday.

Video shows the expedition group is a flotilla featuring the Type 052D guided missile destroyer Yinchuan, Type 071 amphibious landing ship Wuzhishan, Type 901 comprehensive replenishment ship Chaganhu, and what analysts said seems to be a Type 054A guided missile frigate and an electronic surveillance ship with their hull numbers unidentifiable.

Media reports suggest that the expedition group has been out for a while, as the PLA Navy sent festive blessings to the 175 flotilla, which is the expedition group led by the Yinchuan, before the Spring Festival holidays, China Central Television ( CCTV) reported on February 9. Yinchuan's hull number is 175.

The missions allow the PLA Navy to test its capabilities and hone skills in waters far from the mainland, where the service has less experience and understanding in terms of hydrological information, maritime environment and others, a military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Thursday.

China is aiming to build a blue- water navy, and such missions are important, the expert said.