CHINA-INTERNAL: PLA NAVY

 The Beijing-based Sina Military Network reported on May 25, 2015, that China appears to be developing a Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) similar in concept to that being built by the United States. The Chinese military magazine Modern Ships recently published photographs of a Chinese military vessel resembling the US Navy's MLP. The MLP is a type of amphibious assault ship, described by Sina Military as "half-submarine and half-boat" because it has a semi-submersible deck for ease of transferring cargo and equipment.

The main purpose of the MLP is to transport heavy weaponry and combat supplies as well as act as a transfer point between large ships and small landing craft. It is used primarily for transport as opposed to combat. Analysts are of the view that MLPs would significantly boost the People's Liberation Army Navy's strategic and combat capabilities.
 






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