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If we look closer at the various major fleet platforms, the biggest single development in future will likely be the construction of a carrier. With a greater emphasis on sea control sought as part of a future power projection capability, a carrier is seen as a logical step in the process and by 2020 at the latest, perhaps as soon as 2010, one or more medium carriers of a STOBAR design should be in service. R&D on a carrier began in the 80's, and even though there is no clear evidence to suggest the construction of such vessels at the present time, facilities for constructing these are in place.

The bulk of the PLAN's large surface combatant force is of dated design and technically inferior to western designs. However the brand new types are gradually starting to bridge that gap, and will provide the basis for further design and improvement in all roles, and as the older hulls are retired, the PLAN should start to take on a more modern look, and given time, become a far more capable fighting force. The evolution of these new types such as the Type 52 Luhu and Type 54 Luhai class destroyers along with the Type 57 Jiangwei class frigate will likely continue and become the core of the future force. System development, although still largely foreign based, is progressing well in China, and by 2050 all PLAN ships will likely have a standardized systems fit made in China, correcting a major current weakness.

Future long range operations escorting task groups and probably a carrier, will mean the introduction of far more capable and specialised ASW and AAW ships possibly based on a common design. If the generation gap with the west persists, it is not unreasonable to assume that such PLAN ships of 2050 will be at least on par with the likes of the those entering service with the USN over the next 2 decades, if we use the USN as a benchmark.

During the next 50 years we will see a shift in budgetary emphasis from defensive types to the larger sea going vessels, and given that, smaller patrol boat and missile boat developments will possibly be out paced by the new systems and weapons used to fit them, so we could see some very old hull designs fitted with some very advanced technology. In fact this is happening right now, so there is no reason to believe this practise will not continue.