China has launched its first next-generation amphibious assault ship, adding a powerful cutting-edge warship to the country’s fast-expanding navy as it races to rival the military power of the United States.

Analysts say the new amphibious assault ship and two seemingly new stealth fighter jets reflect Beijing's efforts to close the arms race gap with the United States

China has held a launch ceremony for its first super-sized Type 076 amphibious assault ship, now named Sichuan, though the vessel does not look to have gone into the water yet. Imagery from the event does offer the best look at the ship to date,

China’s Navy has launched a new amphibious assault ship capable of deploying fighter jets, enhancing its operational reach in distant waters.

China has launched the first of its next-generation amphibious assault ships, the Type 076, at a shipyard in Shanghai. The Sichuan has been independently developed, and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has described it as a “key asset” in the strategy of transforming the country’s long-range naval capabilities.

China's new amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, has an electromagnetic catapult system that makes it essentially a light aircraft carrier.

The Sichuan is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult that will allow fighter jets to launch directly off its deck.

This photo shows China's first Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan. China launched its first Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, in Shanghai on Friday.

China, which already has the world’s largest navy, is reportedly working on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to enhance its global reach.View on euronews

China has launched a new amphibious assault ship, named the Sichuan, which is capable of launching fighter jets and is designed to compete with U.S. military strength in the seas.