# power projection

China’s 48th Escort Flotilla Demonstrates Blue‑Water Reach with At‑Sea Replenishment off East Africa

China’s 48th escort flotilla completed an underway replenishment between the replenishment ship Taihu and the destroyer Tangshan off East Africa after taking part in the “Peace Will‑2026” exercise. The operation highlights the PLAN’s growing ability to sustain long‑range deployments and maintain a persistent naval presence far from home ports.