By: Christopher Diamond
WASHINGTON — China’s navy has started construction on its next generation amphibious assault ship, the 075 Landing Helicopter Dock, according to the South China Morning Post.
The 075, far larger than any previous amphibious assault ships in the China People’s Liberation Army Navy’s arsenal, is being built by Shanghai-based Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. The ship would be able to carry various helicopters capable of attacking enemy ships, ground forces and submarines, the South China Morning Post reports.
The construction of the 075 comes amid a growing military presence from China in the South China Sea relating to territorial disputes in the region. Additionally, the PLA has also increased naval patrols near Taiwan, amid what the South China Morning Post calls “strained ties with the independence-leaning government of the island.” Beijing considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province of China.
Previous, smaller amphibious assault ships in the PLA Navy’s fleet have been deployed to the South China Sea to Fiery Cross Reef and other man-made islands in which China has claimed territory. This includes the 20,000 ton 071 vessel built by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the parent company to Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
China’s navy commander, Vice-Admiral Shen Jinlong, visited the Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding Company on Sunday to inspect the construction project, the South China Morning Post reports.
Read the full story at DefenseNews