As the PLA Navy has grown, so has fear of a "China threat". But China insists that its naval development is for safeguarding its core national interests. In addition, the Chinese navy contributes to regional stability and peace by maritime escort, care, and rescue. 

Since 2008, through its escorting and protective services, PLA naval vessels have visited 63 countries on six continents.

What does China say its PLA Navy has done for peace and stability? What's China's motive behind all this? Robert Lawrence Kuhn discusses this issue with Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo, Director of the PLA Navy information expert committee.

According to Yin Zhuo, after China's PLA Navy's escort missions in the Gulf of Aden started in December 2008, its capabilities have been greatly enhanced with respect to unconventional security threats and "military operations other than war". 

As of April 2019, the PLA Navy has escorted over 6,000 commercial ships, over half of which are foreign merchant ships. That proves the PLA Navy has made a significant contribution to regional peace and stability, and preserved the security and stability of Indian Ocean shipping lanes.

Yin adds that the Chinese naval escort task force has also accomplished tasks such as escorting UN food ships, performing escort mission for Syria's chemical weapons with Russia, Denmark, Norway and other countries in the Mediterranean Sea to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2118 and the OPCW's decision to destroy Syrian chemical weapons, and helping aid evacuations from Yemen and other troubled areas. 

Yin Zhuo believes China's PLA Navy has performed its international humanitarian obligations, which are unique in the world, regardless of risks, and is an enabler of stability and peace rather than a threat, bolstering regional peace and stability.