Traditionally neglected, the Chinese navy today is gaining growing prominence in security priorities with Chinas opening to the outside world. With an expanding portfolio of missions, from defending territorial waters, backing up national claims to disputed islands, and guarding seaborne trade and sealines, the navy is undergoing a major modernization and expansion programme, with the development and introduction of new generations of warships, submarines, aircraft, and armaments. This paper examines all these aspects and their regional implications.