(Shanghai) China added to its already impressive navy when it launched
its latest Type 075 landing helicopter dock just over a year after its keel was
laid down. The ship as yet unnamed is the first of 3 and mirrors what the US
has with its Wasp-class amphibious assault ship (of which it has 8)
Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD), allows marines to capture
beaches and land supplies on enemy territory. Possessing this type of warship
represents yet another step change in China’s rapidly expanding maritime
capability. These ship will allow China with its territorial claims in the
South China Sea, border disputes with Japan, and the long-standing holdout from
communist China: Taiwan. Expect defence
spending with the neighbours to go through the roof.
