(XINHUA)

Ji'an, a Chinese-made light missile frigate, is put into service in Shanghai by the East China Sea Fleet of the People's Liberation Army Navy on January 8.

The ship will undertake patrol and escort missions and is equipped with anti-submarine capabilities, according to sources within the navy.

Public reports state that at least 17 vessels have entered naval service since 2013, which military experts said will be significant in enhancing China's capacity to safeguard its maritime rights and interests.