China's development and construction of the Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship targets no specific entity, region or country, a Chinese defense ministry spokesman said on Friday.
China launched its first Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship in Shanghai last month. Named after southwest China's Sichuan Province, the independently-developed new vessel was put into the water at a launch and naming ceremony.
Responding to a media query on the matter, Wu Qian, the spokesman, said: "It is a common practice for countries around the world to develop weapons and equipment according to national defense requirements. China's independent development and construction of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship is a normal arrangement consistent with China's national security needs and the overall development of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. The goal is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and better maintain peace and stability in the region and the world at large."
"The vessel is a new-type amphibious assault ship independently developed by China. It applies electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, and can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment, among others. The ship has strong capabilities for amphibious and far-seas operations. After its launching, the ship will conduct equipment adjustments, mooring trials and sea trials as planned," Wu said.
"China has always been committed to the path of peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature. The launching of the ship is a normal arrangement in the equipment development of the PLA Navy. It is not targeted at any specific entity, region or country," Wu added.
China's construction of type 076 amphibious assault ship targets no specific entity, region, country: spokesman
