Eyes On Indian Ocean, China Expands Naval Fleet To Over 400 Ships

China's navy is no longer staying close to home. Around 100 Chinese naval vessels are believed to be operating every day across some of Asia's busiest shipping and transport routes, from the South China Sea to waters near Japan and Taiwan.The growing presence has become a major concern for American military planners.

China now has more naval ships than the US, and its fleet continues to expand at a pace that Washington is finding difficult to match.According to official US figures reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, China's navy now has more than 400 battle-force ships and submarines. That is about 35 per cent more than the American fleet by the number of vessels.China currently operates three aircraft carriers and is building a fourth.

Western experts believe the next carrier could be nuclear-powered.It is one of the biggest peacetime naval expansions in modern history.China's Warships Are Spreading Across AsiaChinese naval activity now covers a huge stretch of water. Its ships operate in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, east of the Philippines and off Japan's southern coast.