Analysts say deploying the LY-1-equipped vessel during Scarborough Shoal drill was meant to send a message to Manila and Washington
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenAlbee Zhangin ShanghaiPublished: 9:03pm, 10 Aug 2026China’s most advanced laser weapon has been spotted aboard a Type 071 amphibious landing ship in the South China Sea, adding near-shore anti-drone capabilities to a family of warships vital for potential conflicts in sensitive waters, according to analysts.
During the drill at the disputed shoal, known in China as Huangyan Island, a rectangular object was seen behind the Qilianshan’s 76mm dual-purpose gun, according to video footage released by state broadcaster CCTV.
“Once these ships are close to the adversary’s nearshore waters, they could be attacked by unmanned aerial or surface drones. So compared with destroyers and frigates, amphibious ships need the high-energy weapon more,” Lu said.
