#China’s Marine Corps Is on the Rise

China is pursuing global power projection capabilities

While the #Chinese army will be cut by 300,000 soldiers, the marine corps will grow by 400%, from 20,000 to over 100,000 marines

A great read https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2020/april/chinas-marine-corps-rise

This is a major shift in Chinese strategic planning, toward a force that can “protect arterial maritime trade routes and enforce its growing overseas interests,” according to government officials.

The U.S. Navy–Marine Corps team must prepare to confront the threat head-on.

In 2017, construction began on the Type 075 landing helicopter dock, China’s largest amphibious ship. Measuring close to 800 feet and displacing 40,000 tons, the Type 075 will embark 900 marines, 30 helicopters & 12 amphibious fighting vehicles from its well deck.

Expected to be ready for service in 2020, the ship is similar in size and design to the US Navy Wasp-class LHDs.

The Type 075 will be employed in concert with Type 071 amphibious transport dock ships, “which are similar in concept to the U.S. Navy’s San Antonio-class vessels.