China's shadow Navy trains to take Taiwan
2 days ago
- #Military strategy
- #Naval exercises
- #China-Taiwan tensions
- China is mobilizing civilian ships to support a potential invasion of Taiwan, surpassing WWII's Normandy landings in scale.
- President Xi Jinping emphasizes China's claim over Taiwan, viewing it as part of its territory and not ruling out force.
- China's naval capabilities are growing, with the commissioning of its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, showcasing advanced military technology.
- Civilian ships, including roll-on, roll-off ferries and deck cargo ships, are being integrated into military exercises to enhance invasion capabilities.
- Taiwan's defense ministry monitors China's use of civilian vessels in military operations and has developed contingency plans.
- China's strategy includes using small amphibious landing ships for multi-point landings, complicating Taiwan's defense efforts.
- The PLA's ability to deploy troops and equipment quickly is a significant development, increasing first-wave invasion capacity.
- China's commercial shipbuilding industry supports its military ambitions, accounting for 53% of global shipbuilding.
- An invasion of Taiwan would require overcoming logistical and tactical challenges, including treacherous waters and Taiwan's prepared defenses.
- The U.S. maintains a policy of supporting Taiwan's defense, with President Biden confirming U.S. forces would defend Taiwan if attacked.
- China's exercises include testing temporary pier systems to facilitate rapid unloading of troops and supplies during an invasion.
- Psychological and cognitive warfare tactics are employed by China to intimidate Taiwan and its allies.
- The sheer size of an invasion force presents challenges for the PLA, including the difficulty of achieving surprise.
- Reuters' investigation used ship-tracking data and satellite imagery to document China's military exercises and shadow navy activities.