On December 2, 2025, China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship, built at the Shanghai Changxing Island Shipyard, began its first sea trial, drawing attention worldwide. But as high-definition images from the trial surfaced, the ship’s true identity became clear. It is not the groundbreaking “unmanned aircraft carrier” many had envisioned, but rather a “hybrid amphibious assault ship” that reflects China’s pragmatic approach to naval development. Rather than a leap forward in innovation, the 076 fills significant gaps in China’s naval power, addressing shortcomings in propulsion technology, aircraft systems, and carrier design.