Nomenclature for Chinese warships was temporarily changed during the Cultural Revolution, and some subclasses gained different NATO reporting names.

The PLAN originally named major surface combatants after geographical areas in China, but this practice was abolished during the Cultural Revolution.

However, by that time the Type 065s were nearing retirement, and the traditional geographic names were given to newer ships.

[citation needed] In the 1950s, the Soviets provided China with four kits for Riga-class frigates and four completed Gnevny-class destroyers.

This met a PLAN requirement for air-defence ships to accompany the surface-warfare Type 051 destroyers.

The Type 053K was originally intended to have three screws powered by a combined gas-turbine and diesel engine, with a speed of 38 knots.

However, technical constraints forced the Chinese to settle for a diesel engine, powering two screws for a maximum speed of 30 knots.

Only two Type 053Ks were completed, possibly due to unsatisfactory performance and the long development time for their intended armament.

The initial design was armed with four SY-1 anti-ship missiles in two twin-missile box launchers, two single 100 mm.

[13] The F25Ts were fitted with Western engines and armament, and their construction was supervised by technical advisers from the German ship building industry.

[14] In 2007, the Type 053H frigates "509" and "510" were transferred to the China Coast Guard and refitted as Ocean Patrol Vehicles "1002" and "1003".

[19] Confrontations over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and particularly the disputed status of the Spratly Islands, have become more frequent in recent years, and caused noticeable friction at the 2012 ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh that was taking place at the same time as the incident.

[19] 11 total: Two Type 053H are now classed as coast guard cutters following transfer and modifications: Jackson, Robert "Fighting Ships of The World."

London: Amber Books Ltd, 2004 Pg.383 ISBN 9781840136470 Media related to Type 053 frigate family at Wikimedia Commons