China's Amphibious Assault: New Landing Craft Drills Raise Taiwan Invasion Concerns

New York Times Analysis: Drills with Specialized Landing Barges Signal Enhanced Amphibious Capabilities and Increased Threat to Taiwan

Recent satellite imagery analyzed by The New York Times reveals that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been conducting exercises involving new types of landing barges off the coast of Guangzhou, sparking renewed concerns about potential military action against Taiwan.

The drills showcase a novel approach to amphibious assault. The PLA connected three specialized barges end-to-end, creating a 823-meter "landing bridge" extending from deep water to the shoreline. Military experts suggest this configuration is designed to allow armored vehicles to drive directly onto the beach, offering a potential solution to logistical challenges associated with a Taiwan invasion. This development signifies an advancement in the PLA's landing capabilities and represents a new warning signal for Taiwan, making Xi Jinping's threat of aggression more credible.

Despite China's escalating military exercises, alongside the continuous improvements in the performance of its missiles, warships, and aircraft, many experts remain skeptical about the PLA's ability to successfully cross the Taiwan Strait with sufficient speed and force. The Taiwan Strait's often-turbulent conditions, including strong waves and complex currents for much of the year, significantly increase the risks of an amphibious operation.