Revealing China's construction of the largest amphibious assault ship for the navy

China has begun building a new generation of large amphibious assault ships, boosting its naval capabilities.

The information was revealed as China is focusing more on its navy, amid the country's increasingly assertive claims of sovereignty over most of the East Sea.

China's amphibious assault ship 075. Graphic: SCMP

The Type 075 landing helicopter dock is being built by a Shanghai-based shipbuilder, SCMP reported yesterday, citing sources. The landing ship is much larger than similar vessels previously built for the Chinese navy.

Vice Admiral Shen Jinlong, commander of the Chinese navy, visited the shipbuilding company on March 26.Hudong Zhonghua is in charge of building this type of ship, the company said on its website.

Mr. Tham (center) during an inspection trip to a shipbuilding company on March 26. Photo: SCMP

A source close to the navy said Mr. Shen's inspection confirmed the construction of the new class of ships. "The construction of the 075 ships will take another two years. The first ship could be launched as early as 2019 and fully operational by 2020."

The 075 could operate as an aircraft carrier and military experts say it will give the Chinese navy the ability to carry a variety of helicopters, attack naval vessels, ground forces and submarines.

According to VNE