China's Type 075 amphibious assault ships now stand as one of the most visible symbols of Beijing's growing military pressure on Taiwan. These vessels combine scale, speed, and flexibility in ways that significantly reshape the regional balance of power.
A Turning Point in December Drills
December marked a critical turning point for this class of ships. The People's Liberation Army deployed a Type 075 for the first time in large-scale drills encircling Taiwan. This deployment underscored the ship's central role in any future cross-strait military operation.
The Centerpiece of China's Amphibious Ambitions
The Type 075, known as the Yushen class, ranks among the world's largest amphibious assault ships. It displaces between 35,000 and 40,000 tonnes. Designed to deliver troops, armor, and aircraft directly onto hostile shores, it forms the backbone of the PLA Navy's expeditionary and island-seizure capabilities.
Chinese media often describe the ship as a helicopter carrier or light aircraft carrier. It combines a full-length flight deck with a large well deck for landing craft.
Rapid Construction and Expansion
Construction of the first ship, named Hainan, began in 2018 and progressed at striking speed. Launched in 2019 and commissioned in 2021, it has since been joined by sister ships Guangxi and Anhui. A fourth vessel launched in late 2023.
Together, these ships represent a major leap beyond China's earlier Type 071 amphibious transport docks. They signal Beijing's clear intent to sustain large-scale amphibious operations far from the mainland.
Built for Rapid Island Assault
At approximately 780 feet long, the Type 075 can operate roughly 30 helicopters. This includes heavy transport models capable of lifting troops and equipment inland. The flight deck supports simultaneous helicopter operations. Elevators connect to a large hangar below deck.
The well deck can carry air-cushion landing craft and conventional landing vessels. This allows tanks, artillery, and armored vehicles to be ferried ashore efficiently.
Troop Capacity and Defensive Features
Estimates suggest each ship can deploy between 800 and 1,200 marines. Some assessments place this figure even higher. The vessel includes extensive medical facilities and command spaces. These features enable it to function as a floating headquarters during complex joint operations.
Defensive systems provide protection against various threats. These include short-range missiles and close-in weapons systems designed to counter aircraft, missiles, and small surface threats.
Multiple Landing Methods
The Type 075 supports several landing methods simultaneously:
- Vertical insertion by helicopter
- Over-the-horizon landings using hovercraft
- Direct beach assaults by amphibious vehicles
These coordinated options complicate any defender's response significantly.
From Drills to Deterrence Around Taiwan
The ship's debut in December's "Justice Mission 2025" drills marked a significant escalation. The Type 075 operated alongside bombers, missiles, and drones during these exercises. The drills focused on sea-air coordination, long-range strikes, and blockade operations around Taiwan.
Chinese military officials framed the exercises as testing integrated operations. These operations extend both inside and beyond the first island chain.
President Xi Jinping has repeatedly linked such military advances to what he calls the "unstoppable" trend toward reunification. The Type 075's capabilities make it a potent tool in this strategic calculation.
