China is reportedly developing a fleet of barges that resemble those used during World War II for their planned approach to Taiwan. At least three of these vessels have been spotted at a shipyard in Guangzhou, as per recent media reports.
These new barges draw inspiration from the “Mulberry harbors” that enabled the Allies to launch their campaign in Normandy in 1944. Each barge is over 390 feet long and is designed to facilitate landings on soft or uneven terrain, which could prove useful in a military operation.
Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high, fueled by Beijing’s refusal to acknowledge Taiwan’s independence. The Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, has made statements indicating that he believes reunification with Taiwan is unavoidable, asserting that the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait form one family.
Experts note that if China were to invade Taiwan, a substantial number of ships would be necessary to transport troops and military equipment swiftly across the strait. The introduction of these barges could be seen as part of a larger strategy to strengthen China’s military capabilities in the region.
Since the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring China’s activities, particularly given Taiwan’s important role as a U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Concerns regarding possible military aggression have prompted discussions about the need for a stronger response to safeguard the island’s autonomy.
