China’s most advanced amphibious assault ship expected to be deployed in disputed South China Sea
- The newly commissioned Type 075 vessel, named the Hainan, can carry dozens of helicopters and hundreds of troops
- Its offensive capabilities are likely to cause concern among neighbouring countries which have conflicting claims in the region
China has commissioned its first type 075 amphibious assault ship, which is expected to be deployed in the disputed South China Sea.
Military observers said the ship, named the Hainan, may also be deployed in missions around Taiwan but was likely to cause particular concern among countries that have ongoing maritime disputes with China due to its offensive capabilities.
State media reported that the vessel was commissioned on Friday at a ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping at a naval base in Sanya in Hainan province, along with the Dalian Type 055 destroyer and the Long March-18, a nuclear submarine that could launch the JL-1 and JL-2 giant wave ballistic missiles.
The Type 075 is able to carry an estimated 30 helicopters and hundreds of troops. It is China’s largest amphibious assault ship with an estimated displacement of about 40,000 tonnes.
Although the Z-8J and Z-20J armoured helicopters that it will carry are not yet ready for use, Song Zhongping, a Hong Kong-based military affairs commentator and former PLA instructor, said the ship can carry various types of helicopters, including airborne early warning helicopters.