To infiltrate Taiwan, China has begun commandeering civilian ferries – public vessels that are now transporting armored vehicles. The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) faces a shortage of amphibious landing craft, which has led to the utilization of civilian vessels.
These boats are being used to ferry hundreds of armored vehicles. Ray Powell, a South China Sea expert at Stanford University, notes that amphibious landing crafts face significant risk and maneuverability challenges during combat.
Source: aajtak
Ray Powell argues that relying on civilian boats is a perilous decision. Their use to transport troops, weapons, and armored vehicles to the Taiwan Strait invites danger. Taiwan can easily target these vessels. Meanwhile, China's military is conducting invasion drills around Taiwan.
In less than two years, China has encircled Taiwan for the third time, starting military drills. Defense experts worldwide and U.S. intelligence suggest that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the military to annex Taiwan by 2027 – a claim also made by the Ministry of Defense in a video.
Taiwan's military may be smaller than China's, yet it is protected by the island's lofty mountains and the wide Taiwan Strait. The Chinese navy, while possessing the world's largest fleet of warships, would be clearly visible in the Taiwan Strait, making them easy targets for Taiwan.
Amid this standoff, China has deployed new artillery and missile units. A new video showcases China positioning its artillery in the direction of Taiwan. The Chinese air force's bombers are seen conducting flights with live ordnance – primed for a direct strike if necessary. These aircraft, artillery units, and land-based missile units have been instructed to participate in war drills coordinated with the navy.
An American congressional delegation has reached Taiwan midst these military exercises. China has labeled their visit as provocative and issued threats against the United States and Taiwan. The United States stands firm, underlining the need to strengthen ties with Taiwan. Japan has also declared its unwavering support for Taiwan, condemning China's military exercises in the Taiwan Strait as an affront to all nations. Taiwan is seen as a sovereign nation, and Japan pledges to resist any invasion attempts.
