China's first Amphibious Assault Ship to Play 'Vital Role' in Taiwan Ops

China's first amphibious assault ship, Type 075, christened the Hainan, has reached initial operating capability, and is expected to play a 'vital role' in operations on the Island of Taiwan, state media reported.
After achieving full operating capability in about a year, the ship will embark on a world tour to provide an "outstanding image" of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the ship's Captain, Lü Yongjun, revealed in a (CCTV) broadcast on Saturday.
The Hainan entered service with the PLA Navy on April 23, 2021 as China's first amphibious assault ship. The vessel can carry a number of helicopters in addition to amphibious armored vehicles and tanks, and launch both horizontal and vertical landing missions on islands and reefs, and even land from the sea, analysts said.
The Type 075 is expected to play vital roles in possible operations on the island of Taiwan, as well as islands and reefs in the South China Sea. China is in dispute with the U.S. and some countries in the Asia-Pacific regarding status of islands in the South China Sea.