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.

  • pathos@lemmy.worldEnglish
    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.