China’s Amphibious Assault Ships: Type 075, Type 076 and Type 071

China has built one of the largest amphibious fleets in the world in little more than a decade. It now operates four Type 075 amphibious assault ships, eight Type 071 amphibious transport docks and dozens of smaller landing ships, and its first Type 076, the Sichuan, is a 40,000-tonne assault ship with an electromagnetic catapult for drones and aircraft. These ships are central to any plan to land troops on Taiwan.

This guide covers China’s main amphibious ships, what they carry and whether they are enough for an invasion.

What amphibious ships does China have?

Amphibious ships carry troops, vehicles, helicopters and landing craft, and put them ashore without a port. China’s fleet has three tiers: large helicopter-carrying assault ships, dock ships that launch hovercraft and landing craft from a flooded well deck, and smaller tank landing ships that can run up onto a beach.

Type 075: the helicopter assault ship

The Type 075 is a large flat-deck ship comparable to the American Wasp class. Each displaces up to about 40,000 tonnes, carries up to about 30 helicopters and has a well deck for landing craft and hovercraft. The first, the Hainan, entered service in 2021, followed by the Guangxi, the Anhui and, in 2025, the Hubei. They give the PLA the ability to land troops by helicopter behind beach defences. China’s helicopters are described in our guide to Chinese military helicopters.

Type 076: the drone carrier

The Type 076 Sichuan goes further. At more than 40,000 tonnes it is larger than the Type 075, and China’s defence ministry says it has an electromagnetic catapult and arresting gear, allowing it to launch fixed-wing aircraft as well as helicopters. It is widely expected to operate drones such as the GJ-11 stealth combat drone described in our guide to Chinese drones. The ship completed its first sea trials in November 2025 and is expected to enter service in 2026. No other amphibious ship in the world has a catapult, and some analysts see it as a light carrier in its own right. China’s full-size carriers are covered in our guide to Chinese aircraft carriers.

Is it enough to invade Taiwan?

Most Western analysts believe China’s dedicated amphibious fleet could carry only a fraction of the troops needed to invade Taiwan in a first wave. That is why the PLA practises using civilian roll-on/roll-off ferries and has been seen building special landing barges that can form temporary piers. An invasion would also depend on the navy and air force controlling the Strait, as described in our guide to Chinese warships. Taiwan’s beaches are few, and the Strait’s weather allows large landings only in short windows each year.

How does China compare with the United States?

The US Navy has about 31 amphibious ships, including nine large Wasp and America-class assault ships, and decades of experience with amphibious operations. China’s fleet is newer and growing fast, but its marines and army amphibious brigades have never carried out a contested landing.

Frequently asked questions

How many amphibious assault ships does China have?

China operates four Type 075 amphibious assault ships and its first Type 076, plus eight Type 071 amphibious transport docks.

What is the Type 076?

A Chinese amphibious assault ship of more than 40,000 tonnes with an electromagnetic catapult, designed to operate drones, aircraft and helicopters.

What is the Type 075?

A Chinese flat-deck amphibious assault ship of up to about 40,000 tonnes that carries helicopters, troops and landing craft, similar to the American Wasp class.

Can China invade Taiwan with its amphibious ships?

Its dedicated amphibious fleet alone is too small for a full invasion, which is why the PLA trains with civilian ferries and landing barges.

Does the Type 076 have a catapult?

Yes. China says it has an electromagnetic catapult and arresting gear, making it the first amphibious ship in the world with one.

How does China’s amphibious fleet compare with the US?

The US Navy has about 31 amphibious ships and much more experience; China’s fleet is newer and growing quickly.