Type 075 amphibious assault ship, the PLA ‘light aircraft carrier’ key to Taiwan strategy

December was a record-breaking month and busier than ever for the Hainan, China’s first Type 075 amphibious assault ship and one of Beijing’s most important assets in the event of any potential military operation against Taiwan.The Yushen-class vessel, one of the world’s largest amphibious assault ships, made an appearance during the People’s Liberation Army’s large-scale military drills around the self-ruled island in late December. It was the first time a Type 075 took part in such exercises.Earlier that month, the Hainan left its home port in the southern island province of the same name and headed far into the Philippine Sea, prompting Canberra to track its movements with a P-8 patrol aircraft amid concerns it could approach Australian waters.Since its commissioning in April 2021, the Hainan, bearing the number 31 on its hull, has been joined by three more ships of its class. They are expected to form the backbone of the PLA Navy’s large-scale amphibious capability.With a displacement of between 35,000 and 40,000 tonnes, the Type 075 is designed to transport landing craft, troops, armoured vehicles and helicopters. It is often described by Chinese media as a helicopter carrier or light aircraft carrier.In addition to exploring expanded roles for the Type 075 in blue-water and expeditionary missions, China is advancing development of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship – described by state media as a possible drone carrier.