Report on China's New Fleet of Barges Drops Amid Taiwan Invasion Fears
NewsweekJan 08
Report: China Builds New Fleet of Special Barges
story
Above: China's self-developed 110-meter-class pile-driving barge Sanhangzhuang 22, equipped with the Beidou Satellite Navigation System, delivered on Dec. 18, 2024, in Yangzhong. Image copyright: Shen Chunchen/Contributor/VCG via Getty Images
The Facts
China is reportedly constructing at least five specialized barges with 120-meter road bridges extending from their bows at the Guangzhou Shipyard International on Longxue Island.
According to Taiwan News, the barges feature platforms that allow other ships to dock and unload, with some having jack-up pillars to aid stability in poor weather conditions.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The construction of these specialized barges represents a significant, and worrying military capability enhancement. It will enable China to bypass traditional beach defenses and potentially conduct amphibious operations at previously unsuitable locations. This is a key indicator that Beijing is preparing for a potential invasion of Taiwan.
Pro-China narrative
Taiwan is undoubtedly a breakaway province of China. This construction aligns with Beijing's stated policy of peaceful reunification and its right to develop maritime capabilities for various purposes, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and legitimate civilian purposes, as part of normal infrastructure development.
