[quote]China's navy has taken delivery of the first of a new kind of stealth frigate, as tension continues with neighbouring countries over maritime borders. The Type 056 stealth frigate has a sleek design that helps it evade radar detection, and needs just one-third of the crew used by its predecessor. The first ship was delivered to the Chinese navy in Shanghai on Monday, state-run news agency Xinhua said. China said the new vessel is part of a systematic upgrading of naval hardware. The frigate - one of 20 being built - will mainly be deployed on escort missions and for anti-submarine operations.[/quote] So thoughts? Is the Chinese navy even a threat? Will it ever be? How does this ship stack up to the competition in the UK and US navies?