Xi’s new drone carrier ‘Sichuan’ races toward combat readiness, Taiwan says 'this is a warning'

China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan has reportedly completed rapid back‑to‑back sea trials, signalling a fast track toward frontline service. Equipped with electromagnetic catapults for drones, fighters and helicopters, the 40,000‑ton “drone carrier” is designed for island‑seizure operations, fuelling fears in Taiwan and Japan amid rising regional tensions.