A classified US military intelligence report seen by the ABC says China is rapidly building up the country’s commercial ferry fleet to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan.

The report dates from earlier this year and was prepared by members of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) for the Pentagon.

The US intelligence says the large ocean-going vessels have been modified to carry tanks and partake in amphibious operations.

China is building more than 70 of the large vessels by the end of 2026.

  • Dr. Moose@lemmy.worldOP
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    35
    arrow-down
    4
    ·
    2 days ago

    Totally, they’re building up military and capabilities just for shits and giggles. Also Xi literally saying that they will take Taiwan no ifs or buts about it multiple times but somehow “it’s propaganda” lmao

    https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/no-one-can-separate-taiwan-from-china-xi/3438987

    “We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family. No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us,” Xi said in his 2025 New Year message, Xinhua News Agency reported.

    “No one can block the historical momentum of the reunification of the motherland,” he added.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-58854081

    “The historical task of the complete reunification of the motherland must be fulfilled, and will definitely be fulfilled”

    • pathos@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      9
      ·
      2 days ago

      There IS a propagandistic dimension to this, even as it doesn’t dispel the threat of invasion. The PRC tries to exploit their military development spending to project an image of strength but not to solely bully Taiwan or the Tiger states but towards its own population. It’s a display of strength to further the image of chinese hegemony. Maintaining this image is just as important for inner political stability.

    • dogbert@lemmy.zip
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      11
      arrow-down
      52
      ·
      edit-2
      2 days ago

      China building an army: totally proof that they are going to invade a “country”

      Any other country on earth building an army: just self defence!

      LMAO

      I hope you’re getting paid for this shit at least…

      • 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚒𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝙼𝚎𝚘𝚠@programming.dev
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        13
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        2 days ago

        China is expanding offensive capabilities, specifically geared towards amphibious invasion. They also publicly state that they will “unify” with Taiwan.

        Somehow I’m not as worried that Belgium is going to get any funny ideas when they buy a couple tanks. Gosh I wonder what the difference is…

        • dogbert@lemmy.zip
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          2
          arrow-down
          17
          ·
          2 days ago

          If you know anything about China’s territory and history, you would understand quite well why they are investing in amphibious military tech. Read a book some time.

          • macaw_dean_settle@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            7
            arrow-down
            1
            ·
            2 days ago

            “Read a book some time.” -Says the person who doesn’t read.

            You should just stop. You should have stopped long ago, but now you have removed all doubt. Now toddle off and let the adults converse.

              • CriticalThought@lemmy.world
                link
                fedilink
                English
                arrow-up
                6
                arrow-down
                1
                ·
                1 day ago

                Sorry if I’m being dense, but just to make sure: you’re saying China is preparing to protect itself from an upcoming Japanese invasion?

                • dogbert@lemmy.zip
                  link
                  fedilink
                  English
                  arrow-up
                  1
                  arrow-down
                  10
                  ·
                  edit-2
                  1 day ago

                  Holy shit dude, I cannot possibly hold your hand through all of this. Educate yourself on HOW Japan has invaded China (backed by the US), and you will get your answers. Any country invading China will follow the same game plan. GOOD LUCK!

                  • Hadriscus@jlai.lu
                    link
                    fedilink
                    English
                    arrow-up
                    3
                    arrow-down
                    1
                    ·
                    1 day ago

                    You can’t have that attitude in a conversation and expect it to go well. If your mission is to educate, you have to be kind and patient. All your last posts have been super arrogant and condescending. Nobody wants to be treated like this

      • Dr. Moose@lemmy.worldOP
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        31
        arrow-down
        7
        ·
        2 days ago

        You know that everyone can check your profile and public post history right? all you do is shill for China with your 1 week old troll account. Go rake a gulag or smt tankie troll.

        • dogbert@lemmy.zip
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          7
          arrow-down
          48
          ·
          edit-2
          2 days ago

          You know you got out-debated when you gotta resort to this “I saw your profile” nonsense. Maybe sit this one out next time little fella. You are out of your depths here.