China Completes Live-Fire Training of Taiwan Landing Ship

Transport capacity of 30 attack helicopters, 10 Type 99A tanks, 50 trucks, and 1,000 marines
China likely operates 18 landing ships, including 8 Type 075 and 10 Type 071 vessels

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Jo Young-shin] The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 29th that the combat readiness of two next-generation Chinese amphibious assault ships (Type 075) has been completed.

Photo by Global Times

An amphibious assault ship refers to a landing ship equipped with a large flight deck capable of simultaneous takeoff and landing of multiple helicopters. For this reason, it is also called a large landing helicopter dock (LHD). Amphibious assault ships are classified as light aircraft carriers.

SCMP cited an announcement from the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, stating that the Type 075 amphibious assault ships Hainan and Guangxi have completed all tests, including live-fire exercises, and will be deployed for actual combat.

SCMP added that the Hainan and Guangxi were commissioned in April and December of last year, respectively, and have been conducting sea trials for operational deployment.

The Type 075 is China's next-generation amphibious assault ship, replacing the existing Type 071. This ship has a displacement of about 40,000 tons, making it the third largest after the US Wasp-class and America-class amphibious assault ships.

It is reported that this ship can carry 30 Z-8J attack helicopters for the naval marine corps. Additionally, it can simultaneously transport 10 of China's main battle 99A tanks, 20 armored vehicles, 50 large military trucks, and 3 air-cushioned landing crafts. SCMP also added that it can carry 1,000 marines.

China currently operates three amphibious assault ships, including the recently commissioned Anhui, and plans to build five more, operating a total of eight amphibious assault ships. The Type 075 amphibious assault ships are expected to demonstrate their capabilities if China conducts a military operation for the reunification of Taiwan.

SCMP explained that the Type 075 amphibious assault ships and the existing 25,000-ton Type 071 landing ships (10 vessels) will enhance the Chinese navy's transport capabilities in the Taiwan Strait in the future.

The state-run Global Times reported on the completion of the Type 075 amphibious assault ships' operational deployment training, stating that these ships will play a role in defending territorial integrity and national sovereignty in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, and that more amphibious assault ships are needed.

The outlet also reported that during the operational deployment training, the Hainan and Guangxi simultaneously conducted air defense exercises, including anti-ship missile interception.

SCMP reported that the Chinese navy has recently focused on building warships, including aircraft carriers, and is concentrating on maritime combat training under the orders of Chinese President Xi Jinping.