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 at the U.S. Naval War College says the design clearly aligns with PLA ferry operations to speed up troop and equipment landings.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said China is building 76 ferries by 2026, ostensibly for civilian use, though many have been filmed in PLA drills. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command warned that direct troop insertions are normally carried out by warships, but the PLA is testing ferries for this role.

Targeting civilian ferries could violate international law, but U.S. defense officials say that once operated by the PLA, they would be considered legitimate military targets, even with civilian crews.

James Corera of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said the ferries are “ports that sail,” but only matter if China secures sea control. He added they point to growing PLA capability ahead of President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) 2027 deadline for invasion readiness.