China Type 075 Amphibious Assault Ship Hainan: A New Era of Naval Power

China's naval ambitions are no longer confined to its immediate coastline. The Type 075 amphibious assault ship Hainan recently demonstrated that it's now the backbone of a potential Taiwan operation, signaling a significant shift in regional security.

China Type 075 Hainan Spearheads Strategic Drills

According to the South China Morning Post, the Hainan, bearing hull number 31, played a pivotal role in the PLA Navy's large-scale military exercises around Taiwan in late December 2025. It marked the first time a vessel of this class participated in such high-stakes maneuvers, indicating its transition from testing to full combat readiness.

The ship didn't just stay near the island. It ventured far into the Philippine Sea earlier that month. This movement caught the attention of Canberra, which deployed a P-8 patrol aircraft to track the vessel amid concerns it could approach Australian waters. It's clear that the Type 075 is designed for blue-water and expeditionary missions far beyond the First Island Chain.

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The Muscle Behind Large-Scale Landings

With a massive displacement of 35,000 to 40,000 tonnes, the Yushen-class ship is a behemoth capable of transporting landing craft, armored vehicles, and numerous helicopters. Often described by state media as a "light aircraft carrier," the Hainan and its three sister ships are now the primary assets for any large-scale amphibious landing.

Since its commissioning in April 2021, the fleet has grown rapidly. China is already looking ahead, with development underway for the Type 076—a vessel rumored to be a dedicated drone carrier—aiming to further dominate the aerial and naval domains in the Indo-Pacific.