SinoSoldier
Colonel
In escorting aircraft carriers, it is critical.
Carriers look to actual speed to generate optimum air flow over the deck in air operations, and for mobility and safety. An FFG will need to be able to keep up, and that may require extended periods at or over 30 knots for certain carriers.
I think that is the issue some are raising.
Now, if the Liaoning and other future Chinese carriers cruise for air ops and for mobility happily at 28 knots, then the Type 054A will work fine.
Thanks for clearing that up. That's also probably why a Chinese carrier won't ever be escorted by a SSK for long-legged missions.
I'd imagine such a requirement wouldn't be much of an issue for US CBGs since their carriers use steam catapults (and thus wouldn't require much of a headwind).