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Additionally, China is augmenting littoral warfare vessels in both the South China Sea by deploying large numbers of Type 056 corvettes, designed for anti-submarine warfare, and Houbei-class wave-piercing catamarans patrol boats armed with guided missiles.

"These boats have increased the PLA Navy's littoral warfare capabilities," the Pentagon said.

The United States is also beefing up its littoral warfare capabilities in the region.