China has begun sea trials of its most advanced amphibious assault ship to date.
A week after deploying its latest assault ship, China unveiled the Sichuan Type 076, a ship that combines the features of an aircraft carrier and an amphibious assault ship.
Its specifications remain secret, but it can launch aircraft and landing craft filled with troops.
Amphibious assault ships are known to be faster than carriers and have more operational flexibility.
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The Chinese Navy has launched sea trials of its latest Type 076 Sichuan, the most advanced amphibious assault ship in its fleet. (Zhang Liang/Xinhua via access point)
The Chinese Navy has more ships overall, but American ships are more capable, especially aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.
Xi Jinping is pushing to expand China’s military by 2035 to challenge the US as the dominant military power.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies reports China’s defense budget increased to nearly $247 billion by 2025, with progress most visible in the Chinese Navy.
China’s nuclear stockpile would include 600 nuclear warheads by 2025, with the aim of expanding to 1,500 by 2035, the report said.
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The Type 076 Sichuan combines the features of an aircraft carrier and an amphibious ship, signaling the growing reach of China’s navy. (Zhang Liang/Xinhua via access point)
The Sichuan emphasizes amphibious and air-launch capabilities, not nuclear or missile propulsion systems. Unlike China’s conventionally powered aircraft carrier Fujian, the new amphibious assault ship is designed for drone and maritime operations rather than traditional strike missions.
Both Chinese ships have the same electromagnetic catapult system that has already been successfully tested on the Fujian.
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China’s newest amphibious ship, which can launch drones and aircraft, begins sea trials to test its power and stability. (Zhang Liang/Xinhua via access point)
According to official Chinese media, the electromagnetic system can launch fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as short and vertical take-off aircraft (STOVL and VTOL).
The Sichuan has a full load displacement of more than 40,000 tons and a full-length cockpit.
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The sea trial is intended to test the strength and stability of the ship, as well as its systems. according to Chinese media.
