China is reportedly constructing “D-Day style” barges that could be used in an invasion of Taiwan.
According to Naval News, at least three of the new craft have been observed at Guangzhou Shipyard in southern China.
Experts told The Telegraph that the barges, seemingly drawing inspiration from the “Mulberry Harbours” built for the Normandy landings in 1944, could prove critical in an amphibious invasion of Taiwan.
The vessels reportedly feature a bridge that could transport tanks and supplies across unpassable ground onto the island of Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory.
Currently, Taiwanese forces have been operating under the assumption that an attack by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would have to take place at a handful of strongly defended ports.
By allowing China’s forces to bypass rocky or soft beaches that are unsuitable for heavy vehicles like tanks, the barges would create multiple fronts for an invasion while weakening Taiwanese defenses.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory, even though Taiwan has effectively been independent since 1949.
China regularly threatens Taiwan with incursions by warships and fighter jets, although these actions stop short of direct confrontation.
Xi Jinping, the leader of China, stated in his New Year’s message two weeks ago that “reunification” with Taiwan is inevitable. “The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family.
No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification,” he said on CCTV, China’s state broadcaster.
Reports this month indicate that Taiwan’s military is considering recruiting foreign fighters to address a troop shortage amid growing pressure from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has appointed several hawkish foreign policy advisers to his transition team, though he has pledged not to allow the U.S. to become involved in foreign wars.
