China has commissioned its first Type-075 amphibious assault ship, which is expected to be deployed in the disputed South China Sea. 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.  The deployment of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s most advanced amphibious assault ship to the Southern Theatre Command was designed to send a message to China’s neighbors, said Dr Collin Koh, a Research Fellow from RSIS.