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China Launches Advanced Warship for Pakistan Navy

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - China has launched the first of four "most advanced"
   warships it is building for Pakistan amid deepening defense and
   economic ties between the two allied nations.

   The development comes as both the countries are locked in border
   tensions with their mutual neighbor India.

   The Pakistan Navy said Sunday that Chinese state-owned Hudong Zhonghua
   Shipyard in Shanghai held the launching ceremony for the Type-054A/P
   frigate, with top officials from the service in attendance.

   The Navy said in a statement the vessels are state of the art frigates
   equipped with modern surface, subsurface and anti-air weapons and
   sensors. "These ships will significantly contribute in maintaining
   peace and security in our area of responsibility," it added.

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