China's next-generation Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan heads to South China Sea for sea trials

China's next-generation "drone-carrier" amphibious assault ship is en route to the South China Sea for critical sea trials, its military announced Tuesday, in the same waters where the US, the Philippines and Japan are conducting large-scale joint military exercises and the aircraft carrier Liaoning is apparently sailing to. "The Sichuan, our country's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, has set sail from Shanghai for relevant waters in the South China Sea to carry out scientific research trials and training missions, testing the performance of multiple on-board systems and platforms," the People\u2019s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy\u2019s official Weibo account said. The brief notice added: \u201cThis is a routine cross-regional trial and training exercise organised in accordance with the vessel\u2019s overall construction plan and is not directed at any specific target.\u201d The Sichuan completed its maiden sea trial in November and is viewed as a key asset in any potential move against Taiwan. It is designed to transport landing craft, troops, armoured vehicles and aircraft to support amphibious operations. Taiwan\u2019s ministry of defence said on Monday afternoon, before the Sichuan sailed, that the PLA\u2019s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, had transited the Taiwan Strait earlier that day. Its course suggested the warship\u2019s destination was also the South China Sea. Photos released by the ministry on social media showed eight J-15 fighter jets and three helicopters on the Liaoning\u2019s flight deck.