The combined displacement of the vessels commissioned on Saturday is more than 60,000 tons. Displacement is a major indicator of the strength and capability of a navy because the bigger displacement means a larger fleet and a stronger weapon-carrying capacity.

The last time Xi attended the commissioning ceremony of a PLA Navy ship was in December 2019, when the CNS Shandong-the Navy's second aircraft carrier and the first such ship wholly designed and built in the country-was delivered to the Navy at a base in Sanya.

In his capacity as commander in chief, Xi has repeatedly stressed that a strong nation must be one that cares about oceans and that a modern, powerful navy is an important symbol of a top-tier military. He also said the Navy's development is strategically important and crucial to national interests and security.