China launches first Type 076 amphibious assault ship

In shipbuilding terminology, launch refers to the process during which a nearly-finished ship is moved into water. It is one of the most important stages in a ship's construction because once a ship is launched, it means that its major structures have been readied and major work on the entire construction project has been done.

The Navy added that in the next phase, engineers will start outfitting and fine-tuning the vessel's equipment before mooring tests and sea trials are conducted.