 At least one unit remained in People's Liberation Army Navy service for training and patrol missions, with unconfirmed reports that the Chinese unit was upgunned.The specification of the Type 206 class gunboat is generally similar to that of the Type 037 class submarine chaser except for its much lighter armament, making it more suited for patrolling friendly coastal areas.Although the Chinese classified this vessel as gunboat, its missions and weaponry were more like those of patrol boats, and due to the drastic reduction of the number of the crew, the living conditions were significantly better.