Recent developments suggest that China’s invasion strategy for Taiwan may be taking a tangible shape, as reports indicate the emergence of specialized “invasion barges” now in operation.
Footage circulating on social media platforms has revealed three of these barges, as reported by War Zone.
According to Naval News, “Each barge boasts an extended roadway reaching over 120 meters (393 ft), enabling it to connect to coastal roads or stable surfaces beyond the beach. At the back, an open platform facilitates the docking and unloading of other ships.”
“Some of these barges incorporate ‘jack-up’ pillars that can be lowered to create a stable platform, even in adverse weather conditions. When operational, these barges would function as a pier, allowing for the unloading of trucks and tanks from cargo vessels,” the outlet elaborated.
Fleet Of Special Barges Suitable For Taiwan Landings
via WeChat Channels@观诲长郎 https://t.co/BFjuxQjG5R pic.twitter.com/3evM4JhHFv— 笑脸男人 (@lfx160219) March 13, 2025
The article draws a parallel to the Mulberry Harbours constructed by the Allies during D-Day, which were pivotal in offloading the vast amounts of personnel and equipment necessary for the liberation of Europe.
Unlike the temporary pier ordered by President Joe Biden, which collapsed off the coast of Gaza, these barges possess the advantage of being able to rise above stormy seas. The catch? They also become stationary targets for any opposing forces.
Moreover, the extended reach of these barges implies that regions in Taiwan that were previously deemed unsuitable for invasion could now be within striking range.
Dr. Emma Salisbury, a Sea Power Research Fellow at the Council on Geostrategy, remarked, “Any invasion of Taiwan from the mainland would necessitate a significant fleet to transport troops and equipment swiftly across the Strait, particularly land assets like armored vehicles.”
She added, “In preparation for an invasion or at least to provide China with leverage, I anticipate an increase in the construction of vessels capable of facilitating this transportation.”
China asserts its claim over Taiwan, which became a sanctuary for the nationalist government following the Communist revolution in 1949. While the United States refrains from formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it continues to support the island through arms sales to help maintain its independence.
China has conducted numerous military exercises around Taiwan, seemingly rehearsing potential invasion strategies.
Last year, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun declared that China would not allow Taiwan to maintain its independence.
“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army is an indomitable force dedicated to the unification of the motherland, and it will act decisively and firmly to prevent Taiwan’s independence, ensuring that such attempts are thwarted,” Dong stated, as reported by the Hong Kong Free Press.
“Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will be crushed and face their own downfall.”
“We will take resolute measures to inhibit Taiwan’s independence and ensure that this scheme never comes to fruition,” Dong emphasized, according to CNN.
In 2022, former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday predicted that China would soon translate its rhetoric into action, as noted by USNI News.
“It’s not just about what President Xi says; it’s about how the Chinese act and the patterns they exhibit. Over the last two decades, we have observed that they tend to fulfill their promises ahead of schedule,” Gilday remarked.
While former U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Phil Davidson suggested that 2027 could be the year China would be ready to invade Taiwan, Gilday indicated that China may not wait that long.
This article originally appeared on The Western Journal.
