China ferry fleet built amid Taiwan invasion preparations, classified report warns
www.abc.net.au
A classified US intelligence report, seen by the ABC, says vessels have been modified to carry tanks and partake in amphibious operations in what Taiwan considers part of China's "expansionist intentions".

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.

    • NOT_RICK@lemmy.worldEnglish
      82·
      2 days ago

      I might believe your hypothetical if Mexico was investing heavily in beach landing craft the same way the PLN is…

      • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.worldEnglish
        75·
        2 days ago

        The island-hopping strategy that paved America’s way to Tokyo isn’t forgotten. China needs to defend some 7,200 islands off its coastline in the event the US decides to launch a first-strike. That means being able to retake territory they lose, which means needing landing craft to get them there.

        For some reason, American China-Watchers only recognize one island as possible contested territory when you’ve got whole archipelagos that rival militaries would compete to secure. That’s before you get to Chongming Island or Hainan Island, both pivotal to Chinese domestic security.