China builds advanced Type 055 destroyers to challenge US naval dominance

China is rapidly expanding its naval capabilities with the Type 055 guided missile destroyer, which rivals the U.S. Ticonderoga-class cruisers. The Type 055 is larger and equipped with advanced technology, making it a formidable surface combatant. While the U.S. Navy is decommissioning its aging cruisers, China has eight Type 055s in service and plans to build up to 16. The U.S. Navy's Ticonderoga-class, which has been in service since the 1980s, is facing mechanical issues and budget constraints. The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes the Type 055 as a cruiser, despite China's designation as a destroyer. This reflects the growing importance of both classes in their respective fleets amid rising tensions in the region.