Yeah this build program is no joke. I doubt anyone expected the Chinese to build the Type 055 at this rate.
Almost makes one believe the rumour that the Type 055 would replace the Type 052D in future construction.
The designation is the clue. It’s designed as DDG, same as the 052. Just like the 052 were designated the same as the 051s before them.
USN most likely designated them CGs to try and prevent unfavorable comparisons with their own DDGs.
8 055 means 4x for every carrier group, more than enough to be the main escort. Maybe the first batch is meant to be 3x escorts tagged to each carrier and 2 free ships to lead surface task forces.
Though, 3 052D were also launched in 2018, the same number as 055s launched. This means that PLAN might yet have a specific role for the 052 series. It’s just speculation at this point but they could potentially replace the 054 as the PLAN frigate since no new 054 variants have been sighted.