Type 071 Yuzhao LPD

In 2011, an analysis published by the US Naval Institute noted that "local observers now expect China to build up to six Type 071s along with six flat-deck helicopter carriers." The "Jane's Defense Weekly" website reported 03 February 2016 that: "Although there is no evidence that more dock landing ships are under construction, well-informed sources expect China to build a total of eight." Xavier Vavasseur reported 05 Aug 2019 "17 years after the start of the program, the construction of the 20,000 tons Type 071 landing platform dock (LPD) seems to be reaching its end after two lots of orders, 8 units in total. Construction of the Type 075 landing helicopter dock (LHD) and the design of a larger version (known as Type 075A), however, are just starting."

An end strength of 100,000 Chinese marines is roughly half the active duty end strength of the US Marine Corps, which is used to size the US Navy amphibious assault fleet. The US Navy has nine Amphibious Squadrons, and the future 36-ship amphibious force is being shaped to allow the formation of 12 amphibious ready groups (ARGs). Doing the math, it might be expected that PLAN force goals could include four large amphigious assault ships [LHA/LHD] of a class not yet in evidence, as well as a eight LPDs of the Type 071 Yuzhao class. Such a shipbuilding program could by completed by 2025, if not bit sooner.

As of the end of 2018, there was pretty good agreement on the designations of the three four units, and pretty serious disagreement thereafter.