New tank-landing ship joins Chinese navy

BEIJING, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- China has unveiled a new type of tank-landing ship for the People's Liberation Army naval force.

The ship was shown to the public during a launching ceremony held at the East China Sea Fleet's military port. CCTV reports the vessel, named Tianmushan, was developed domestically.

The ship is roughly 394 feet long and 52 feet wide, displaces 5,008 tons, and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 20 nautical miles per hour. The ship is designed to allow China's naval forces to load and unload landing equipment. Additional equipment includes artillery and a helicopter landing pad.

China's addition of the tank-landing ship comes after the South China Sea Fleet welcomed three new vessels at the end of 2015, including supply ship Luguhu, electric reconnaissance ship Neptune and pelagic survey vessel Qian Xuesen.

Chinese military officials say the new ships were all domestically built.