Chinese Warships Make Bold Display of Power in South China Sea

Chinese amphibious vessels, featuring a helicopter-assault ship, conducted a display of strength in the South China Sea, bolstering Beijing’s assertions over this disputed area.

The News Pulse reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry via email seeking their comments.

Why It Matters

China asserts control over the majority of the area. South China Sea These assertions intersect with those made by multiple adjacent nations and a The 2016 ruling made by an international arbitration panel rejected China's stance on several rocky outcrops or low-tide elevations also claimed by the Philippines. Beijing it bases its stance on what it refers to as " historic rights in the contentious waters.

China has the biggest naval force globally By vessel count, with more than 370 ships and submarines, the Chinese fleet encompasses vessels tailored for amphibious operations aimed at projecting land and aerial power across maritime domains. island landing campaigns .

What To Know

The Chinese military 's media wing released an undated video on X, formerly Twitter , on Tuesday, featuring the Type 075 amphibious assault ship CNS Hainan. Able to transport helicopters, it was undertaking "multitude maritime exercises" in the South China Sea.

The Hainan was part of "an assault shipping group" consisting of three Type 071 amphibious transport docks—CNS Qilianshan , CNS Changbaishan and CNS Jinggangshan . They were seen firing their weapons after detecting "enemy" targets during live-fire exercises.

It wasn't immediately evident exactly where the precise location for the training would be. Hainan , the Qilianshan , and the Changbaishan were observed participating in a naval training drill in the South China Sea on February 20, as per official photographs disclosed on March 12.

The unveiling of the video occurred following the Chinese navy's celebration of its 76th establishment anniversary on April 23rd. Among the vessels taking part in an exhibition that day was one of their naval ships. Hainan , which was berthed in its namesake Chinese southern province.

In December 2024, China unveiled its inaugural next-gen model. Type 076 landing helicopter dock ship , CNS Sichuan . Unlike the Hainan , the advanced Sichuan is fitted with a catapult system that enables flight operations for fixed-wing aircraft much like those on an aircraft carrier.

What People Are Saying

The Chinese military said: Being China’s initially self-developed landing ship with capabilities for both land and water operations, Hainan features a range of armaments including missiles and Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) designed for defense and retaliation, has a full-length flight deck suitable for deploying various helicopter types, and includes an inner port capable of accommodating multiple tank models and air-cushion landing crafts.”

The Chinese military power report from the Pentagon stated: "The [ People's Liberation Army The Navy's growing number of advanced large-scale amphibious vessels allows for a broad spectrum of expeditionary missions where Chinese interests are at risk or in aid of China’s involvement in globally approved operations.

China's Global Times cited by an unnamed military analyst: The Type 075 will serve as an essential and innovative addition to China's contemporary naval operations, particularly for amphibious assault tasks.

What Happens Next

The Chinese military persisted with their operations in the South China Sea, encompassing variousactivities as usual. routine patrols On Tuesday, as promised to protect the nation's territorial integrity.

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