China has commissioned its first type 075 amphibious assault ship, which is expected to be deployed in the disputed South China Sea.Dr. Collin Koh, a Research Fellow from RSIS, said the deployment of the PLA’s most advanced amphibious assault ship to the Southern Theatre Command was designed to send a message to China’s neighbours. “The ship can perform offensive functions – such as capture of terrestrial features in the disputed Spratlys, and in a Taiwan invasion scenario; or it can also be used for providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in times of peace,” he said.