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Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Adds More Firepower Invasion Fleet
China is expected to commission a new large naval vessel, which is designed for amphibious warfare in island-landing operations across the contested Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. China has long claimed that Taiwan, a self-governed island, is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert that claim. Meanwhile, its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea cover most of the waters, which overlap with those of neighboring nations. According to the Pentagon, the Chinese military has built the world's largest navy by hull count, with over 370 ships and submarines in service, including the Type 075 amphibious assault ships, which have operated in waters near Taiwan and in the South China Sea. A photo that circulated on social media last week shows the fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, with hull number 34, was pierside at an undisclosed location in China. Alex Luck, an Australia-based naval analyst, said the warship is "supposedly close to service entry." According to the analyst, the currently unnamed ship has been assigned to China's Southern Theater Command, which is responsible for securing the South China Sea and supporting the Eastern Theater Command in military operations against Taiwan, the Pentagon assessed. China operates three Type 075 amphibious assault ships—CNS Hainan, CNS Guangxi, and CNS Anhui—with hull numbers 31, 32, and 33, respectively. These vessels help safeguard the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, according to the state-run Global Times. In its report on Chinese military power, the Pentagon noted that the "highly capable" Type 075 amphibious assault ship provides China with an "all-aspect expeditionary capability," including the ability to carry landing craft, troops, armored vehicles and helicopters. Regarding the fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, the Pentagon's report—released in December 2024—said the ship was launched in 2023 and was expected to be operational the following year. The Chinese military has yet to announce the ship's commissioning date. Before commissioning another Type 075 warship, China launched its successor—the Type 076 amphibious assault ship—last December. This "new-generation" naval ship is designed to support flight operations of fixed-wing aircraft using a catapult and arresting system. Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck said: "Finally an image of the fourth Type 075 [amphibious assault ship], based with South Sea Fleet, with her hull number and supposedly close to service entry." The Pentagon's Chinese military power report read: "The PLAN's newest amphibious ships, the [Type 075 amphibious assault ships] and [Type 071 amphibious transport dock ships], are modern platforms capable of regional and global expeditionary missions in support of wartime and non-war contingency operations singly or as part of capable and flexible task groups composed of multiple amphibious ships and surface combatants." PLAN stands for People's Liberation Army Navy, the official name of the Chinese navy. It remains to be seen whether China will continue building additional Type 075 amphibious assault ships or shift its shipbuilding capacity to the more advanced Type 076 warships. Related Articles Did Donald Trump Lose China Trade War? 10 Experts Weigh InChina Stages War Games at New Overseas Military BaseChina's State Media Claims Victory After US Trade TalksHIMARS Unleashed in Taiwan as China Watches On 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Adds More Firepower Invasion Fleet
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China is expected to commission a new large naval vessel, which is designed for amphibious warfare in island-landing operations across the contested Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Why It Matters China has long claimed that Taiwan, a self-governed island, is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert that claim. Meanwhile, its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea cover most of the waters, which overlap with those of neighboring nations. According to the Pentagon, the Chinese military has built the world's largest navy by hull count, with over 370 ships and submarines in service, including the Type 075 amphibious assault ships, which have operated in waters near Taiwan and in the South China Sea. What To Know A photo that circulated on social media last week shows the fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, with hull number 34, was pierside at an undisclosed location in China. Alex Luck, an Australia-based naval analyst, said the warship is "supposedly close to service entry." Finally an image of the fourth Type 075 LHD, based with South Sea Fleet, with her hull number and supposedly close to service entry. — Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) May 10, 2025 According to the analyst, the currently unnamed ship has been assigned to China's Southern Theater Command, which is responsible for securing the South China Sea and supporting the Eastern Theater Command in military operations against Taiwan, the Pentagon assessed. China operates three Type 075 amphibious assault ships—CNS Hainan, CNS Guangxi, and CNS Anhui—with hull numbers 31, 32, and 33, respectively. These vessels help safeguard the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, according to the state-run Global Times. In its report on Chinese military power, the Pentagon noted that the "highly capable" Type 075 amphibious assault ship provides China with an "all-aspect expeditionary capability," including the ability to carry landing craft, troops, armored vehicles and helicopters. Regarding the fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, the Pentagon's report—released in December 2024—said the ship was launched in 2023 and was expected to be operational the following year. The Chinese military has yet to announce the ship's commissioning date. Aerial view of the Chinese Type 075 amphibious assault ship CNS Hainan moored at Macun Port in Hainan Province of China on April 22, 2025. Aerial view of the Chinese Type 075 amphibious assault ship CNS Hainan moored at Macun Port in Hainan Province of China on April 22, 2025. Luo Yunfei/China News Service/VCG via AP Before commissioning another Type 075 warship, China launched its successor—the Type 076 amphibious assault ship—last December. This "new-generation" naval ship is designed to support flight operations of fixed-wing aircraft using a catapult and arresting system. What People Are Saying Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck said: "Finally an image of the fourth Type 075 [amphibious assault ship], based with South Sea Fleet, with her hull number and supposedly close to service entry." The Pentagon's Chinese military power report read: "The PLAN's newest amphibious ships, the [Type 075 amphibious assault ships] and [Type 071 amphibious transport dock ships], are modern platforms capable of regional and global expeditionary missions in support of wartime and non-war contingency operations singly or as part of capable and flexible task groups composed of multiple amphibious ships and surface combatants." PLAN stands for People's Liberation Army Navy, the official name of the Chinese navy. What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether China will continue building additional Type 075 amphibious assault ships or shift its shipbuilding capacity to the more advanced Type 076 warships.
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Stages War Games at New Overseas Military Base
China has deployed its forces, including a landing ship to support amphibious warfare, to its new overseas base in Cambodia for a military exercise near the contested South China Sea. China, which is expanding its military reach and presence globally, inaugurated its second publicly acknowledged overseas base last month. The joint logistics and training center, located at Ream Naval Base in southwestern Cambodia, is jointly maintained by both sides. Cambodia has a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, which connects to the South China Sea to the southeast. Beijing's sovereignty claims in the region—based on what it calls historic rights—cover most of the waters and overlap with those of neighboring countries. The Chinese Defense Ministry announced that Exercise Golden Dragon 2025 is scheduled to take place in Cambodia from mid- to late May, featuring counter-terrorism operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities on land, at sea, and in the air. This marked the first bilateral exercise supported by the joint logistics and training center. Participating units from China arrived at Ream Naval Base on Monday, the Chinese military said, including the Type 071 amphibious landing platform dock vessel, CNS Changbaishan. The Type 071 amphibious warship is capable of carrying 800 marines and around 20 amphibious vehicles, in addition to two helicopters, according to the specialist outlet Naval News. Photos released by the Chinese military show that two smaller Chinese warships were also docked at a newly constructed pier at Ream Naval Base. Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck identified them as Type 056A corvettes, which had been deployed there for some time. In the Pentagon's report on Chinese military power, released before the opening of the joint China-Cambodia facility, a pair of Chinese corvettes were docked at Ream Naval Base in December 2023, indicating that China could maintain what it called a persistent role on site. In the report, the Pentagon stated that China has adopted a global counter-terrorism strategy to prevent terrorist attacks against its citizens and economic interests abroad—such as the Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure program that expands China's influence. Cambodia is a key investment destination under the Belt and Road Initiative, with Chinese funding used to develop the country's highways and ports, Japan-based Nikkei Asia reported. Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, said: "[Exercise Golden Dragon 2025] will facilitate practical cooperation between the two sides and contribute to the building of a China-Cambodia all-weather community with a shared future for the new era." The Pentagon's Chinese military power report read: "The [People's Republic of China] is seeking to expand its overseas logistics and basing infrastructure to allow the [People's Liberation Army] to project and sustain military power at greater distances." It remains to be seen whether China will expand the scope of joint exercises at the newly built facility in Cambodia and conduct patrols in the South China Sea from that location. Related Articles China's State Media Claims Victory After US Trade TalksHIMARS Unleashed in Taiwan as China Watches OnChina Accuses US of 'Smearing and Shifting Blame' on FentanylTrump Slashes 'De Minimis' Tariff on China for Low Value Packages 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Stages War Games at New Overseas Military Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China has deployed its forces, including a landing ship to support amphibious warfare, to its new overseas base in Cambodia for a military exercise near the contested South China Sea. Why It Matters China, which is expanding its military reach and presence globally, inaugurated its second publicly acknowledged overseas base last month. The joint logistics and training center, located at Ream Naval Base in southwestern Cambodia, is jointly maintained by both sides. Cambodia has a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, which connects to the South China Sea to the southeast. Beijing's sovereignty claims in the region—based on what it calls historic rights—cover most of the waters and overlap with those of neighboring countries. What To Know The Chinese Defense Ministry announced that Exercise Golden Dragon 2025 is scheduled to take place in Cambodia from mid- to late May, featuring counter-terrorism operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities on land, at sea, and in the air. This marked the first bilateral exercise supported by the joint logistics and training center. Participating units from China arrived at Ream Naval Base on Monday, the Chinese military said, including the Type 071 amphibious landing platform dock vessel, CNS Changbaishan. The Type 071 amphibious warship is capable of carrying 800 marines and around 20 amphibious vehicles, in addition to two helicopters, according to the specialist outlet Naval News. Photos released by the Chinese military show that two smaller Chinese warships were also docked at a newly constructed pier at Ream Naval Base. Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck identified them as Type 056A corvettes, which had been deployed there for some time. The Chinese Type 071 amphibious landing platform dock vessel CNS Changbaishan, left, arrives at Ream Naval Base in Cambodia on May 12, 2025. The Chinese Type 071 amphibious landing platform dock vessel CNS Changbaishan, left, arrives at Ream Naval Base in Cambodia on May 12, 2025. Chinese military In the Pentagon's report on Chinese military power, released before the opening of the joint China-Cambodia facility, a pair of Chinese corvettes were docked at Ream Naval Base in December 2023, indicating that China could maintain what it called a persistent role on site. In the report, the Pentagon stated that China has adopted a global counter-terrorism strategy to prevent terrorist attacks against its citizens and economic interests abroad—such as the Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure program that expands China's influence. Cambodia is a key investment destination under the Belt and Road Initiative, with Chinese funding used to develop the country's highways and ports, Japan-based Nikkei Asia reported. What People Are Saying Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, said: "[Exercise Golden Dragon 2025] will facilitate practical cooperation between the two sides and contribute to the building of a China-Cambodia all-weather community with a shared future for the new era." The Pentagon's Chinese military power report read: "The [People's Republic of China] is seeking to expand its overseas logistics and basing infrastructure to allow the [People's Liberation Army] to project and sustain military power at greater distances." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether China will expand the scope of joint exercises at the newly built facility in Cambodia and conduct patrols in the South China Sea from that location.
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Photos Capture China Expanding Strategic Aircraft Carrier Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Open-source satellite imagery appears to show that China is expanding one of its naval bases that hosts an aircraft carrier, as it seeks to challenge United States naval dominance. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Why It Matters China has the largest navy in the world by hull count, according to a Pentagon assessment. China has a fleet of more than 370 ships and submarines, which includes two aircraft carriers in active service. The United States possesses 11 operational aircraft carriers. In this image provided by the Chinese military on October 31, 2024, China's navy conducts dual aircraft carrier operations in the South China Sea, involving aircraft carriers CNS Shandong, front left, and CNS Liaoning, front... In this image provided by the Chinese military on October 31, 2024, China's navy conducts dual aircraft carrier operations in the South China Sea, involving aircraft carriers CNS Shandong, front left, and CNS Liaoning, front right. More Chinese military China is undergoing a rapid naval buildup to expand its military reach and presence and has conducted "very significant construction programs" of related infrastructure for its fleet over the last 10 to 15 years, Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck told Newsweek. "A closer look at the rate and type of expansion [of Chinese naval infrastructure], added facilities and total berthing space allows us to make educated assessments as to what sort of naval forces China intends to deploy from what locations," he explained. What To Know According to a Chinese military observer, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic, the expansion of Yuchi Naval Base in Qingdao in northeastern China, which is home to the country's first aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning, has begun to take shape. A satellite image captured on Wednesday shows that at least four new piers are being built when compared with a year ago. These include three narrow piers, which are 131 feet wide and will possibly be primarily used to berth the Chinese destroyer fleet, the observer said. The remaining pier under construction, which is 328 feet wide, could be used by larger ships such as aircraft carriers and supply ships. The observer noted that Yulin Naval Base, which is located in Sanya in southern China and is also being expanded, does not have any additional pier for aircraft carriers, indicating there will be a second aircraft carrier homeported at Yuchi, in addition to the Liaoning. CNS Shandong, China's second aircraft carrier, is homeported at Yulin. Drag slider compare photos The yet-to-be-commissioned Chinese aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian, is currently docked at a shipyard in Shanghai in eastern China. The Chinese military has yet to announce its home port. "Any naval force is only a useful asset as long as the related infrastructure can support their operations," Luck said, adding that the enlargement of Yuchi Naval Base's berthing facilities, including those built for aircraft carriers, is the "most dramatic expansion" in recent years. American aircraft carriers are stationed at four locations: Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Naval Air Station North Island in California, and Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state, as well as Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo in Japan, which hosts USS George Washington. What People Are Saying Alex Luck, Australia-based naval analyst, told Newsweek: "The benefit of tracking infrastructure is that these efforts are generally easier to observe, including on commercial satellite imagery, compared to naval construction. The latter is still difficult to assess in some respects due to its more secretive nature…the basing infrastructure allows you to judge future scale and force mix to a reasonable extent regardless of such restrictions." Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Shandong is seen at Yulin Naval Base in Sanya in southern China on December 17, 2019. Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Shandong is seen at Yulin Naval Base in Sanya in southern China on December 17, 2019. Li Gang/Xinhua via AP A Chinese military observer, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic, told Newsweek: "A carrier doesn't act alone, it also needs to provide support facilities for the entire [carrier strike] group. Currently there are no bases of this size other than the homeports of the three major fleets. And there are no signs of any large-scale expansion at [Eastern Theater Command]'s Zhoushan base." The three Chinese major fleets are assigned to the Northern, Eastern, and Southern Theater Commands. Each theater navy has its subordinate submarine flotillas, surface ship flotillas, aviation units, and naval bases, the Pentagon stated in its Chinese military power report. What Happens Next It remains to be confirmed whether the Fujian will be homeported at Yuchi Naval Base after it enters service. Meanwhile, the number of Chinese naval bases capable of hosting aircraft carriers could be increased if China decided to build additional carriers in the future.
