Serving for Over 30 Years, the 'No.1 Ship of China' Retires

Known as the 'No.1 Ship of China,' the first ship of China's second-generation domestically built guided missile destroyer, the 'Harbin Ship' (hull number 112), withdrew from active service on the morning of the 28th at a naval port in Qingdao.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the Harbin Ship is the first ship of the Type 052 guided missile destroyer, self-developed and constructed by China as a second-generation main battle vessel.

The ship is equipped with various weapon systems including naval guns, ship-to-air missiles, and ship-to-ship missiles, and can carry two helicopters. It possesses comprehensive anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine combat capabilities, marking a significant leap in the operational strength of China's naval surface vessels.

Launched in August 1991 and commissioned into the People's Navy in May 1994, the Harbin Ship has served on the front lines of military operations and major tasks for over 30 years, successfully completing more than a hundred major combat readiness and training missions and safely sailing over 400,000 nautical miles.

In 1997, the Harbin Ship visited four countries in the Americas, achieving a historic breakthrough as the first time a Chinese naval vessel crossed the Pacific Ocean and visited the American continent. During its 14th escort mission in 2013, the crew was invited to form a formation to participate in the Seychelles National Day parade, marking the first time a Chinese Navy marching formation participated in a foreign country's national day parade.

Since its commissioning, the Harbin Ship has visited 22 ports in 20 countries, including Russia, the United States, and Australia; held joint naval exercises with other countries 17 times; and received senior military officers from over 60 countries, demonstrating the open and confident image of China's navy.

In 2003, the Harbin Ship was awarded the honorary title of 'Maritime Vanguard Ship' by the Central Military Commission.