US vs. Chinese cruisers: China is building its top surface warship at breakneck speed, and it's a match for its US rival

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

54% : "I'd say the Type 055 is the most capable in anti-surface warfare, but not as capable in the air defense and BMD role as a US [Arleigh] Burke DDG," Carlson, the retired US Navy captain, said.
51% : In an acknowledgment of their capability, the US Department of Defense officially designates the Type 055 as a cruiser, despite China's own designation of destroyer, which is likely a PR move intended to make the PLAN seem less aggressive.
48% : In 2008, an SM-3 fired from the cruiser USS Lake Erie destroyed a defunct satellite at an altitude of some 150 miles, demonstrating its ability to perform anti-satellite missions.
46% : The US Department of Defense has speculated that China wants to incorporate ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems on the Type 055, which could enable it to serve in a BMD/anti-satellite role similar to Japan's BMD destroyers.
42% : The class is so daunting and capable that the US Department of Defense classifies it as a cruiser.

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