China's New Barges Raise Concerns Over Possible Taiwan Invasion

China is reportedly constructing a fleet of specialized barges designed to unload tanks and military equipment, raising concerns about a potential invasion of Taiwan. These barges, being built at Guangzhou Shipyard International on China's Longxue Island, feature extended road bridges up to 120 meters long, allowing them to reach coastal roads or hard surfaces beyond beaches. The aft ends of the barges have platforms for docking and unloading other ships.

Experts suggest these barges are not intended for commercial use, drawing parallels to those used by the Allies during the Normandy landings in World War II. Defense analyst Damien Symon notes that the barges appear designed to work with dual-purpose civilian ferries, potentially aiding in an invasion of Taiwan. This development could enable China to land military forces in previously unsuitable locations, bypassing Taiwanese ports.

The Taiwan-China issue is a longstanding geopolitical conflict centered on Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan, known as the Republic of China (ROC), functions as a de facto independent state with its own government, military, and economy. However, China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and adheres to the "One China" policy, asserting Beijing as the capital. This has led to decades of tension since the Chinese Civil War, with China aiming for reunification through various pressures, while Taiwan maintains its independence.