China launches sea trials of its latest amphibious assault ship
China has begun sea trials of the Sichuan, identified as the Type 076, which state media describe as the country's most advanced amphibious assault ship to date. The vessel blends features commonly associated with aircraft carriers—such as a full‑length flight deck and electromagnetic aircraft launch capability—with traditional amphibious operations, including the deployment of troop‑carrying landing craft.
Design and capabilities
Officials have not released a full technical specification, but media reports state the Sichuan displaces more than 40,000 tons at full load and includes extensive aircraft handling facilities. Chinese outlets say the ship uses an electromagnetic catapult system similar to that tested on the conventionally powered carrier Fujian, enabling launches of fixed‑wing aircraft, helicopters, drones and short‑ or vertical‑takeoff types (STOVL/VTOL).
Unlike a traditional carrier optimized for long‑range strike groups, the Type 076 appears configured primarily for amphibious operations, drone deployment and air‑assault support, while also supporting the launch and recovery of a range of rotary‑ and fixed‑wing platforms. It can carry and launch landing craft for troop insertion and sustainment of marine forces ashore.
Sea trials and next steps
Sea trials will evaluate the ship’s propulsion, stability, electrical and combat systems, and aviation handling in a range of conditions ahead of further operational testing and eventual commissioning. Chinese media describe these trials as a key step to validate the vessel’s power plant, flight operations and onboard systems.
Strategic context
Analysts note that while the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) now fields a larger number of hulls overall, U.S. naval forces retain qualitative advantages in some carrier and amphibious capabilities.
Beijing has pushed for military modernization through 2035 under President Xi Jinping. The Center for Strategic and International Studies reported that China’s defense spending reached nearly $247 billion in 2025. The same report estimated China’s nuclear warhead stockpile at roughly 600 warheads in 2025, with a stated objective to expand toward about 1,500 by 2035.
Observers will watch how the Sichuan fits into broader PLAN doctrine and force structure—particularly its role in combined air‑and‑sea amphibious operations, unmanned systems integration and expeditionary logistics—and how the ship influences regional naval balances as it moves from trials to service.
