China launched a crewless ship capable of carrying dozens of drones.
Beijing has touted it as a maritime research tool, but experts suggest it has potential as a military vessel.
China has launched the world's first crewless drone carrier that uses artificial intelligence to navigate autonomously in open water.
It describes the vessel as "epoch making" and the "world's first intelligent unmanned system mother ship.".
In recent years, China has made increasingly assertive claims of sovereignty over the sea, and has been building up its military presence.
Although this vessel's capabilities and uses remain to be seen, militaries worldwide have increasingly been focusing on developing drones and unmanned vehicles.
Funaiole noted that China has invested considerable resources into various unmanned platforms, such as drones and autonomous vehicles, to strengthen the position of its navy. »