China continues its rapid naval modernization as its "new-generation amphibious assault ship"—designed to project power from sea to shore—began its first round of sea trials.

The Chinese military said CNS Sichuan , the first Chinese Type 076 amphibious assault ship, departed Shanghai on Friday. The 44,000-plus-ton warship is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult and a full-length flight deck to operate fixed-wing aircraft.

Why It Matters

China operates the world's largest navy by number of vessels, with more than 370 ships and submarines—including three aircraft carriers and four Type 075 amphibious assault ships that precede the Type 076—according to the Pentagon. The fast-growing Chinese fleet enables Beijing to expand its military reach across the Pacific beyond East A

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