Hong Kong
CNN
—
China appears to have built a new and unusual aircraft carrier, intriguing experts with a potentially first-of-its-kind vessel that could further increase Beijing’s rapidly expanding maritime power.
Satellite imagery from Planet Labs shows a vessel with a large, open flat top under construction at Guangzhou Shipyard International on Longxue Island, in the southern province of Guangdong.
But the vessel is even smaller than the Type 075 amphibious assault ships used by Beijing’s navy, suggesting that China may be building the world’s first “ostensibly civilian ‘aircraft carrier’ as an oceanographic research vessel of some sort,” Shugart added.
The existence of the new vessel was first reported by The War Zone.
China has been churning out increasingly advanced warships at a feverish pace, often matching US carrier technology.
The aircraft carrier Fujian – by far China’s
The 80,000-ton carrier dwarfs the PLAN’s two active carriers, the 66,000-ton Shandong and the 60,000-ton Liaoning, putting it in the league of supercarriers. Only the United States Navy operates aircraft carriers bigger than the Fujian.
China has also made rapid progress on the construction of the world’s largest amphibious assault ship, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.
Dubbed Type 076, its flight deck spans approximately 260 meters (853 feet) by 52 meters (170 feet), which is over 13,500 square meters – nearly the area of three US football fields, the think tank said in its satellite imagery analysis.
Built in Shanghai, carrier Fujian and the Type 076 are the crown jewels of a military expansion that has seen Beijing grow its navy into the world’s largest, with more than 340 warships to its name.
But the construction of a novel aircraft carrier-type vessel in southern China could signal another shift toward Beijing’s proclaimed “military-civil fusion strategy that employs things like dual-use civil-military vessels,” said Shugart, the former submarine commander.
The vessel potentially “provides a low-cost addition to the PLA Navy’s operational capabilities in a low-threat environment and its logistical capabilities,” said Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center.
Given its light construction, the ship might serve as a helicopter or drone carrier for the China Coast Guard, which is increasingly deployed as a quasi-military force, Schuster said.
“Possessing an aviation platform would expand (the Coast Guard’s) surveillance capability in the distant waters of the southern South China Sea and potentially east of Taiwan,” Schuster added.
“The new flattop would be a significant addition to any Coast Guard quarantine enforcement operation such as that potentially practiced two weeks ago and over the last two years,” Schuster said.
Beijing has become more assertive in its home region, using the military to press its claims in the South China Sea and intimidate Taiwan – a self-governing democracy that China’s ruling Communist Party has vowed to take, by force if necessary.
But the new vessel could also be very useful in a humanitarian capacity, providing quick and cost-effective relief and evacuation in non-combat situations, Schuster said.
“It could also serve as a logistics support and repair ship in an amphibious operation once the beach was secured,” the expert added.
An aerial photo of the exercise showed the two carriers steaming side by side, with fighter jets overhead and at least 11 support ships from their carrier strike groups trailing.
Conducted in the South China Sea, the exercise was “aiming to enhance the integrated combat capability of the aircraft carrier formations” and was “part of the Liaoning aircraft carrier formation’s regular real-combat training in the high seas,” Xinhua said.
“Twin carrier operations add another level of complexity to a fleet’s operations,” he said, with the exercise enabling the fleet to test logistical requirements and coordinate communications among the ships in the flotilla.
The state-run Global Times quoted a Chinese naval expert, Song Zhongping, as saying the exercise enabled the two carriers to “complement each other’s strengths and consolidate their advantages.”
“The Liaoning and the Shandong may have different numbers of aircraft carried, different escorting vessels, and thus distinct capabilities for air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-ship operations,” Song said in the Global Times report.
The operational readiness of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). This exercise signifies China’s intent to demonstrate and develop its naval capabilities, particularly in projecting power and asserting claims in strategically important regions like the South China Sea.
Analysis of China’s Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship
Design and Specifications
The Type 076 is noted as the world’s largest amphibious assault ship, with a substantial flight deck area that can accommodate various aircraft, including helicopters and UAVs. Its dimensions indicate a significant investment in maritime capabilities, emphasizing operational versatility in both military and humanitarian operations.
Strategic Implications
- Military-Civil Fusion: The Type 076 aligns with Beijing’s strategy of utilizing dual-use vessels, catering to both military and civilian needs. This could enhance China’s operational flexibility during peacetime and conflict.
- Operational Capacity: Analysts suggest that the ship’s design allows integration into the PLA Navy’s broader operations, providing logistical support and enhancing surveillance through the China Coast Guard. The ship could act as a key asset in enforcing maritime laws and conducting patrols in contested waters.
- Humanitarian Role: Apart from military use, the potential for the Type 076 to serve in humanitarian assistance roles could bolster China’s image domestically and internationally. This dual purpose could improve China’s soft power while demonstrating readiness to respond to emergencies.
- Expanded Surveillance: With increased surveillance capacity, the Type 076 could support operations away from the Chinese coast, enhancing the Coast Guard’s ability to monitor and assert control over strategic maritime areas, particularly around Taiwan and in the South China Sea.
Historical Context
The Type 076’s development accompanies China’s growing naval presence, reflecting a broader strategy to transform from a regional power into a global maritime force. The construction of such vessels is a clear indicator of China’s military modernization efforts, particularly against the backdrop of tensions with neighboring countries and the United States.
Conclusion
the Type 076 amphibious assault ship represents a significant advancement in China’s maritime capabilities. Its design suits a variety of operational roles, from military confrontations to humanitarian missions, aligning with China’s broader strategic goals. As the PLAN continues to develop its assets, the Type 076 will likely play a crucial role in enhancing China’s naval presence and asserting its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The increased operational capability of the Chinese navy may also prompt responses from regional and global powers, potentially escalating maritime tensions.