China’s Invasion Of Taiwan: Satellite Image Shows PLA Drilled To Seize Taiwan Using Civilian RO-RO Ships

According to analyses conducted by the Yomiuri Shimbun and the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals, the Chinese military has been training with 2D mock-ups of civilian roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships in a move that indicates preparation for a possible invasion of Taiwan. This practice, which has been noted by defense analysts and confirmed by satellite imagery, highlights China’s growing military ambitions and activities in the region.

Satellite images captured by the US space firm Planet Labs PBC in May revealed a garrison in Chengde, Hebei Province, where the Chinese military appeared to be conducting exercises simulating an invasion of Taiwan. 

These images showed two 170-meter-long ship outlines drawn on the ground, believed to represent RORO ships. 

These ships are designed for transporting large vehicles, which can drive directly on and off the cargo holds, suggesting their potential use in amphibious operations. The report said a closer examination of a September 2022 satellite image of the same site showed numerous vehicles within the outlined ships. 

Analysts believe the Chinese military was practicing the efficient loading of vehicles, soldiers, and essential supplies such as ammunition and fuel onto these ships. This training would be crucial for rapid deployment in an actual amphibious assault.

The “Defense of Japan 2024” White Paper also highlighted China’s focus on amphibious operations, noting that the Navy and Land Forces had been training extensively with RORO ships. 

The White Paper emphasized that the actions were a part of China’s larger plan to strengthen its military posture around Taiwan and establish its dominance over the area.

China has been increasingly active in the South China Sea, conducting military exercises and establishing bases in areas contested under international maritime law. This aggressive stance has drawn significant international attention and concern, particularly from the United States.

At the annual US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Virginia in October 2023, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah Royal reiterated similar concerns. 

He emphasized that in addition to applying diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan, China was also getting ready for a potential military invasion, with particular focus on using RORO vessels.

Why Are China’s RO-RO Ferries Integral to Taiwan Invasion Plans? 

Over the past few years, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has increased its presence in the Taiwan Strait, frequently crossing the median line and entering Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone with its aircraft and vessels.

Any invasion would begin with a barrage of missile strikes aimed at neutralizing Taiwanese defenses, followed by amphibious beach landings. Despite being the largest naval force in the world, the PLA Navy (PLAN) does not have the necessary readiness for large-scale beach landing operations.

The US Department of Defense has assessed China’s amphibious lift capacity and concluded that the fleet was more suited for global missions than for the large-scale beach assaults required for an invasion of Taiwan. 

Similarly, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has pointed out that China lacks the necessary landing vehicles and logistical support for such an operation. 

China has incorporated its commercial infrastructure into its military strategy to tackle these discrepancies. A critical element of this integration is the utilization of roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) ships, which can transport vehicles directly onto docks or beaches. Each RO-RO ship can carry approximately 300 vehicles and more than 1,000 passengers. 

To improve maritime delivery capabilities, the PLA collaborated with regional shipping companies by establishing fleets of strategic projection support ships within large shipbuilding companies in 2012.

Since then, the construction of RO-RO ferries has been prioritized. While these ferries primarily transport electric vehicles, their involvement in PLA exercises in 2023 highlights their potential military use. 

The PLA began incorporating RO-RO ships into military exercises in 2019, starting with the 15,000-ton ferry Bang Chui Dao. These exercises have since become routine. 

In July 2020, the PLA tested launching amphibious assault craft from civilian ferries directly onto beaches, rather than using port facilities, in exercises off Guangdong Province. A year later, in August 2021, the PLA employed a 10,000-ton civilian ferry in military landing exercises for the first time. 

After then-US Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, six RO-RO ships of the Bo Hai Ferry Group Company, which is connected to the PLA Maritime Militia 8th Transport Brigade, made their way to Xiamen, the closest Chinese city to Taiwan.

In 2023, these ferries were used more frequently in military exercises, notably in July and August. Experts warn that these ferries are vulnerable to attacks from Taiwan’s fighter jets, warships, and submarines. 

Nevertheless, much like the PLAN’s amphibious vessels, these RO-RO ships would likely be backed by the PLA Navy and Air Force. Whether these ferries can withstand combat conditions remains uncertain. 

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