China has launched its first next-generation amphibious assault ship, the Type 076 vessel named Sichuan, signaling a significant upgrade in the nation’s naval capabilities amidst rising territorial tensions, Bloomberg reports.
The launch took place at a ceremony in Shanghai on Friday, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.
The Sichuan, which was independently developed, is expected to enhance China’s combat capabilities in distant waters, according to the Xinhua report. The Center for Strategic and International Studies describes the vessel as the world’s largest amphibious assault ship, highlighting its capacity to project greater air power. This is particularly relevant as China faces flashpoints in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
Following its launch, the Sichuan will undergo extensive tests and sea trials. The vessel marks a significant advancement over the three Type 075 ships currently operated by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The Type 076 features a cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult system, similar to that found on the latest Fujian aircraft carrier. This technology will enable the ship to carry fixed-wing aircraft and expand the use of drones, which are increasingly seen as vital in modern warfare.
The launch of the Sichuan is seen as evidence of the Chinese military’s technological progress, despite ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the PLA. An anti-graft campaign has been sweeping through the military since last summer, initially focusing on its equipment procurement unit and the secretive Rocket Force, but now expanding across the ranks.
Recent developments highlight the depth of the anti-corruption campaign. This week, a navy commander of the Southern Theater was purged for suspected violations of law and discipline, a term that usually implies corruption, following the removal of his predecessor a year ago. These purges indicate that the military is undergoing a major internal cleanup while simultaneously pushing forward with its modernization efforts.
