CNS Sichuan, China's largest and most advanced amphibious assault ship, set sail from Shanghai to conduct scientific research trials and training missions in the South China Sea, the People's Liberation Army Navy said in a statement on Tuesday night.

The trials aim to test the operation of various system platforms on the vessel, the statement said.

Since its launch, the Sichuan has successfully completed several sea trials. This current mission is a routine cross-regional trial and training organized according to the overall construction plan of the equipment and is not directed at any specific target, the statement said.

With a hull code of 51, the Sichuan is the first in the Type 076 class. The ship displaces more than 40,000 metric tons of water and will carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious landing craft once it enters service.

It completed its maiden sea trial in November.