The People's Republic of China acquired SS-N-22 launchers and missiles (specifically, the for-export 3M-80E Moskit variant) with a 1999–2000 purchase of two Sovremenny destroyers from Russia.
[citation needed]According to Russia, the PRC funded the development of the SS-N-22 version for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
[citation needed] These new missiles will be first installed on board the second pair of Sovremenny class destroyers.
[citation needed] The PRC has stockpiled roughly 15 SS-N-22 missiles per launch tube (each destroyer having a total of 8 launchers in two quadruple configurations).
[citation needed] It is speculated that the PLAN intends to use the missiles against carrier battle groups deployed by the United States Navy in the event of a confrontation with the Republic of China (Taiwan).