Why China's naval expansion appears sudden

Why does the growth of the Chinese navy seem so sudden?

Because observers noticed the output ten to fifteen years after the industrial and procurement buildup had already begun.

The answer attributes the apparent surprise to delayed public and press attention. The expansion had been occurring for ten to fifteen years before some observers began describing it as sudden. In a later follow-up, professional observers in NATO, the United States and Japan are described as having watched and discussed the developing capabilities for years. The distinction is between late public recognition and an absence of prior professional attention.