China on Monday unveiled a new amphibious assault ship that has the capability of launching fighter jets, days after video showed seemingly new Chinese military aircraft with stealthy characteristics, reports VOA News.
The ship, named the Sichuan after Southwest China's Sichuan province, was launched into the water at a ceremony last Friday by the People's Liberation Army Navy.
It features a double island superstructure, an electromagnetic catapult system and arresting technology and a full-length flight deck.
Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe told Chinese state-run Global Times that the vessel "can carry more weapons and equipment, has longer range and stronger combat capabilities."
It also has "outstanding capabilities in air superiority and land assault missions" and is a "key asset" for enhancing the Chinese Navy's long-range operational capabilities.
Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore and a former Pentagon official, told VOA News the launch is intended "to intimidate neighbors or ensure the PLA has the capability to land a large invasion force on Taiwan."
The United States has been pouring resources into advanced missiles and other systems to deter China in the Indo-Pacific region. It recently tested a missile interception system on the strategically crucial island of Guam using an advanced radar.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.