China tests new Sichuan Type 076 amphibious assault ship in sea trials

China has begun sea trials of its most advanced amphibious assault ship to date.

A week after deploying its newest assault ship, China unveiled the Sichuan Type 076, a ship combining the characteristics of an aircraft carrier and an amphibious assault ship.

Specifications remain confidential, but it can launch aircraft and landing craft filled with troops.

Amphibious assault ships are known to be faster than aircraft carriers and have greater operational flexibility.

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The Chinese Navy has launched sea trials for its new Type 076 Sichuan, the most advanced amphibious assault ship in its fleet. (Zhang Liang/Xinhua via AP)

The Chinese navy has more ships overall, but US ships are more capable, particularly aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.

Xi Jinping is pushing to expand China’s military by 2035 to challenge the United States as the dominant military power.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies reports China’s defense budget reached nearly $247 billion in 2025, with the most visible progress being made by the navy.

China’s nuclear stockpile would number 600 nuclear warheads by 2025, with the aim of increasing the number to 1,500 by 2035, according to the report.

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The Type 076 Sichuan combines the characteristics of an aircraft carrier and an amphibious ship, signaling China’s growing naval reach. (Zhang Liang/Xinhua via AP)

Sichuan emphasizes amphibious and air-launched capabilities, not nuclear propulsion or missile systems. Unlike China’s conventionally powered Fujian aircraft carrier, the new amphibious assault ship is designed for drone and maritime operations rather than traditional carrier strike missions.

The two Chinese ships have the same electromagnetic catapult system which has already been successfully tested on the Fujian.

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China’s latest amphibious ship, capable of launching drones and planes, begins sea trials to test its power and stability. (Zhang Liang/Xinhua via AP)

The electromagnetic system can launch fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as short and vertical take-off (STOVL and VTOL) aircraft, according to Chinese state media.

The Sichuan has a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 tons and a full-length flight deck.

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The sea trial aims to test the power and stability of the ship, as well as its systems, according to Chinese media.