The Type 071 are amphibious warfare ships of the People's Republic of China's People's Liberation Army Navy. The ship carries hovercraft and helicopters to allow amphibious assault from greater distance and against more difficult shore terrain. Built by the Shanghai-based Hudong Shipyard, the ship is equipped with a 76 mm gun and 4 × 30 mm CIWS for self-defense. The ship significantly improves the PLA Navy’s sea-lift and power projection capabilities. The lead ship, pennant number 998, Kunlun Shan was laid down in Shanghai on June 2006 and launched on 21 December 2006 and conducted sea trials in September 2007 and joined the South Sea Fleet in December 2007.