Satellite images show China’s ‘significant upgrades’ as analysts warn Taiwan of potential escalation

An image taken near the home of China’s South Sea Fleet has prompted dire predictions from defence analysts who believe it could be a precursor to war.

A string of cutting-edge maritime innovations out of China have sounded alarms for defence analysts across the globe, with fears growing that the new technologies could be used in a potential invasion of Taiwan.

Among the innovations China has fast-tracked are large modular landing barges capable of rapidly unloading heavy equipment and new designs for cutting undersea cables, which could play a key role in an amphibious assault on the island nation that Beijing covets.

The barges were seen in a video on Chinese social media. Geolocation technology revealed the video was shot on a public beach near Zhanjiang, which is home to China’s South Sea Fleet.

Defence experts consider the barges a “significant upgrade” to China’s amphibious capabilities, allowing for rapid unloading of tanks, armoured vehicles, and supplies.

The barges resemble World War II-era Mulberry harbours used in the liberation of Normandy, which has fuelled uneasy speculation about their role in a Taiwan contingency.

There is currently no equivalent system in Western militaries, which makes China’s innovation particularly stand out to those tuned into the incremental developments surrounding one of the most tense geopolitical situations on the planet.

Chinese researchers have also developed a new deep-sea cable cutter capable of severing undersea communication lines at depths of up to 4000 meters. Communication is crucial in times of crisis and has been a priority target for invading forces in modern warfare.

While some suggest the barges could be used for humanitarian or civilian purposes, defence analysts believe they are intended for military operations.

A string of cutting-edge maritime innovations out of China have sounded alarms for defence analysts across the globe, with fears growing the new technologies could be used in a potential invasion of Taiwan. Picture: Planet Labs PBC

J Michael Dahm, a retired US Navy intelligence officer and senior resident fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, says the potential uses with of the new technologies are broad.

“The innovation really is the volume that they could potentially put onto a remote beach or a damaged port or an austere landing area, probably in excess of hundreds of vehicles per hour, if they chose to do that,” he told CNN.

“These barges can significantly improve the PLA capability to deliver logistics following an invasion.”

Additionally, the fleet of barges could allow the PLA to establish makeshift landing sites if Taiwan destroys its own ports in a defensive strategy.

Experts believe these developments align with Xi Jinping’s goal of modernising the PLA and preparing for potential military action against Taiwan by 2027.

While the presence of these systems doesn’t confirm an imminent invasion, they are part of broader Chinese military preparations.

Taiwan’s defence ministry has acknowledged the barges and is monitoring their potential military use.

There is currently no equivalent system in Western militaries, which makes China’s innovation particularly stand out. Image: Maxar

The development came after reports that Taiwanese troops will simulate possible scenarios for a Chinese invasion in 2027 during the island’s annual war games.

Taiwan has never been ruled by Communist China. But Beijing insists the self-ruled island of 23 million is part of its territory and has threatened to seize the island by force.

Officials in the United States — Taipei’s main backer and biggest arms supplier — have previously cited 2027 as a possible timeline for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Taiwan’s “Han Kuang” exercises, which the ministry said would be held from July 9-18, are conducted every year across Taiwan to simulate defending the island against Chinese attacks.

Officials in the United States — Taipei’s main backer and biggest arms supplier — have previously cited 2027 as a possible timeline for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Photo by WANG Teng-yi / CNA / AFP

In a report submitted to parliament on Wednesday, the ministry said this year’s scenarios would be based on China’s “grey-zone” intrusions and “possible actions of the Chinese Communist military’s invasion of Taiwan in 2027”.

“Commanders at all operational and tactical levels will plan scenarios and situations from a practical perspective based on the possible actions of the enemy,” the report said.

The aim was to “verify the ability of troops at all levels to execute plans, thereby building a military force that can respond quickly and maintain ‘high combat readiness,’” the report said.

Taiwan said its military was on high alert as Chinese warships sailed near the island earlier in March, preparing for a strong response from China to President Lai Ching-te’s stopovers in the United States.

China has launched two large-scale military drills around Taiwan since Mr Lai took office and regularly deploys fighter jets and navy ships to press its claims over the island.