China’s Hubei, the fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship operated by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), has completed its full combat qualification assessment in the South China Sea, marking a major step in the ship’s transition toward operational service. The Type 075’s amphibious role The Hubei is the fourth operational Type 075 amphibious assault ship, following the Hainan, Guangxi and Anhui. Type 075 ships are significantly different from conventional amphibious transport vessels. The PLAN currently operates four Type 075 ships, while the Type 076 Sichuan, China’s first ship of the next-generation class, remains in sea trials. The Type 075 is therefore an important part of China’s current amphibious capability.