China's largest navigation aid ship "Haixun 176" enters service

The "Haixun 176", a large navigation aid ship independently designed and built in China, was officially commissioned into the Navigation Guarantee Center of the South China Sea under the Ministry of Transport on Thursday.

It is currently the largest and most advanced vessel of its kind within China's transport system.

With a length of 75.2 meters, a width of 14 meters, and a full-load displacement of 2,360 tonnes, the "Haixun 176" has a range of 5,000 nautical miles and is equipped with a fully-electric propulsion system.

The ship uses an integrated power station, which enables simple operation management, supports long-term maritime emergency missions, and ensures flexible operation even under complex sea conditions. These features significantly enhance navigation support capabilities in the South China Sea.

"The 'Haixun 176' has not only made significant improvements in energy efficiency and environmental protection but also demonstrates precise positioning and flexible maneuvering capabilities in complex sea conditions. It also possesses strong operational capabilities, including a 20-ton crane and self-stowing chain winch, allowing it to perform navigation aid deployment and maintenance even in challenging maritime environments. Additionally, the vessel incorporates an intelligent engine room that monitors equipment status and provides fault warnings, thereby enhancing operational efficiency to a certain extent," said Zhou Zhiquan, captain of the "Haixun 176".

"The 'Haixun 176,' after being commissioned, will undertake tasks such as the deployment and maintenance of navigation aids within its jurisdiction. It will particularly provide safe, convenient, and efficient navigational support services for key waters like the Qiongzhou Strait and the Sansha area. Navigation buoy maintenance and servicing now cover the whole of the maritime zone surrounding Hainan Island and the full Sansha jurisdiction," said Qin Xuening, director of Haikou navigation mark department under the South China Sea Navigation Support Center.

China's largest navigation aid ship "Haixun 176" enters service

China's largest navigation aid ship "Haixun 176" enters service

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is strongly considering pulling the United States out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the alliance failed to join the attacks on Iran, The Telegraph reported on Wednesday.

When asked if he would reconsider America's membership in the alliance after the conflict, he said the question is "beyond reconsideration," adding, "I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger."

Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with NATO for "not being there," saying it was "actually hard to believe."

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump would make a decision on the future of NATO given the fact that some U.S. allies refuse to provide support, after the end of U.S. military operations against Iran.

Following Trump's criticism, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is not changing his position on the war.

Multiple European countries have kept their distance from the conflict with Iran. Starmer on Monday said his country will not get dragged into the conflict "whatever the pressure and whoever it's coming from," while Spain on Monday closed its airspace to all flights related to the U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran.

Trump calls NATO 'paper tiger,' considers withdrawal