China has commissioned its first Type-075 amphibious assault ship, which is expected to be deployed in the disputed South China Sea, the South China Morning Post reported Monday. The ship, named the Hainan, was likely to cause particular concern among countries that have ongoing maritime disputes with China – like the Philippines -- due to its offensive capabilities, military observers told the SCMP. This developed as a former North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commander said there were four ways a sea war between China and the United States could play out, with Taiwan and the South China Sea – areas both beside the Philippines – as likely flashpoints.

Gulle, J. (2021, April 27). Beijing puts largest assault ship in service, likely mission in SCS. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.