China’s most advanced amphibious assault ship likely to be deployed in disputed South China Sea

China commissioned three new warships on April 23, 2021, including its first Type 075 amphibious assault ship, named the Hainan. The warship can carry an estimated 30 helicopters and hundreds of troops. Its possible deployment in the contested South China Sea and around Taiwan is likely to spark concerns among its neighbours, according to observers. The vessel was commissioned along with two other new vessels: the Dalian, a Type 055 destroyer and the Long March-18, a nuclear submarine that can launch JL-1 and JL-2 ballistic missiles.