Open Source Brief: PLA Navy Contingent in Pakistan for Exercise Sea Guardians-2020 [Thread]
The contingent is led by Vice Admiral Dong Jun, Deputy Commander of the PLA Southern Theatre Command. Vice Adm Jun was on the same designation in his previous rank as Rear Admiral, considered equivalent to the Chief of Staff of PLA's entire southern theatre.
In March 2017 in his current capacity, then Rear Admiral Jun was part of an entourage led by CMC Vice Chairman Air Force General Xu Qiliang to Saudi Arabia after which bilateral relations were upgraded to the status of a comprehensive strategic partnership. 
Reportedly, the meeting also included Commander of Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force, Lt Gen Jarallah Al Aluwayt [Source: defence.pk/pdf/threads/vi…]
The Southern Theatre Command (STC) subsumed former Military Regions (MRs) in Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu, Jinan, Shenyang, Lanzhou and Guangzhou. Chengdu MR oversaw India whereas Lanzhou MR oversaw J&K and Pak. Now STC oversees Pak and India together.
Worth highlighting that a Pakistan Army delegation led by COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited China to discuss issues of mutual interest. A meeting with Admiral Yuan Yubai, Commander of STC, also took place.
Last month, STC received China's second indigenously-manufactured aircraft carrier 'Shandong'. Induction would enrich PLA Navy's tactical and strategic options in regional waters. This carrier is based in Sanya near the South China Sea.
Per Beijing-based mil analyst Wei Dongxu, Shandong has the unique capacity to sail from the South China into the Pacific Ocean and also Indian Ocean. Essential to keep checks on adventurism by aggressive actors in regional waters.
STC borders with Myanmar and Vietnam, important countries which are increasingly being eyed by India for checks on Chinese maritime activities in Indo-Pacific region.
STC is home to South Sea Fleet, one of China's three fleets (others North and East). It is home to nuclear missile-equipped Type 094 SSBNs (nuclear subs) outside Sanya which forms an critical leg of China's nuclear and conventional maritime deterrent.
Participating Chinese naval ships: Guided missile destroyer Yinchuan (Hull 175). Usually houses more than 690 officers/ soldiers, dozens of spec ops soldiers and two helis onboard. Has a strong combat capability in aerial defence and anti-sea ops.
Participating Chinese naval ships: Guided missile frigate Yuncheng (Hull 571). Specialist in long-range detection, reportedly 'excellent' combat capability in aerial defence ops. Carried out several missions including Sino-Russia naval exercise 'Joint Sea-2017'.
Participating Chinese naval ships: Comprehensive supply ship Weishanhu (Hull 887). Carried out vast majority of escort missions for merchant ships. Operated extensively in the Gulf of Aden.
Participating Chinese naval ships: Sub rescue ship Liugongdao (Hull 865). Know to accompany nuclear subs. Reported as 'mother-ship' of world's most advanced Type 7103 Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel. Docked in Colombo (Sri Lanka) in Feb 2016 thereby alarming Indian establishment.
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