China unveiled the Sichuan, a state-of-the-art amphibious assault ship, on Friday, marking a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. The Sichuan, the first of the Type 076 class, is China's largest amphibious ship to date, displacing 40,000 tons. It features an electromagnetic catapult and arrestor technology, enabling fighter jets to take off and land on its deck, according to official reports from Xinhua.
Designed to deploy troops via landing crafts and provide air support, the Sichuan enhances China's ability to conduct operations in distant seas. This ship is a step forward in the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) modernization drive, which aims to shift from regional operations to a global naval presence.
China's first amphibious assault ships, the Type 075, launched in 2019, and the nation has since advanced its naval engineering. Notably, the Fujian aircraft carrier, introduced two years ago, was the first to feature electromagnetic launch technology.
Military expert Song Zhongping likened the Sichuan to a "light aircraft carrier," highlighting its versatility. The ship will now undergo sea trials to ensure operational readiness.
China’s navy, the largest in the world, continues to expand and upgrade its fleet. Researchers recently revealed ongoing work on nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, which could further extend the PLAN's global reach by eliminating reliance on refueling bases.
Meanwhile, the U.S., with its 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, maintains a robust naval presence worldwide, including in the Asia-Pacific, emphasizing the ongoing strategic competition in the region.