In a newly built dry dock at China’s Changxing Island shipbuilding base just outside Shanghai, the world’s largest amphibious assault ship has been transformed from scratch into an imposing hull. Experts say the ship could be launched as early as 2025.
China's advanced aircraft carrier can defeat any US ship in seconds
If that assessment, derived from satellite images, proves correct, the construction of China's first 076-class attack ship – the so-called "Yunan" class – will be a further reminder of the breakneck speed at which Beijing is pursuing its military buildup.
It will create one of the world's largest warships in less time than it currently takes American or European shipyards to convert a much smaller, older frigate or destroyer.
It is also likely to stoke the fears of those who believe that Beijing is now seriously preparing for a major conflict, most likely triggered by a deliberate invasion of Taiwan.
