Launching a ship does not make it an operational warship. Some Chinese commentary counts a hull once it enters the water, echoing conventions associated here with German and Soviet practice. Alex's count of ships in service waits until fitting out is complete and the ship is commissioned. As many as six Chinese destroyers are described as possible additions during the year of the discussion, but they remain outside that total while fitting out. Construction totals and operational totals therefore describe different stages of fleet growth.
Notable Point · 35:02-36:21
When a launched warship counts as operational
Fleet totals differ when one count includes launched hulls and another waits for fitting out and commissioning.