WATCH: US intelligence warns China’s ferry buildup could aid Taiwan invasion
A U.S. intelligence report says China is rapidly expanding its commercial ferry fleet for potential military use against Taiwan.
A classified report by the United States Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) warns China is rapidly expanding and modifying its commercial ferry fleet to support potential military operations against Taiwan.
The Five Eyes alliance, composed of the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, tracked about 30 ferries participating in People’s Liberation Army (PLA) drills as early as 2022. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Beijing plans to complete more than 70 large ferries by the end of 2026.
Satellite imagery shows new landing barges tested off China’s coast, featuring extended gangways and stern ramps designed to connect with roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ferries. Shipyards are producing barges ranging from 110 to 185 meters, which can link together into an approximately 820-meter floating pier. Analysts...
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