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China on Friday began the sea trial of Sichuan, a large amphibious assault ship fitted with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) to operate fighter planes, helicopters and drones, according to the Chinese Navy.

The launch follows the commissioning of the country’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, by Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month. The aircraft carrier is stated to be the most modern warship equipped with EMALS, which is used only by the American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. The first hull of Sichuan, China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship, set off from a port of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai and sailed toward the relevant sea area for its maiden sea trial, an official statement by Chinese Navy said.

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