China’s recent maritime advancements, particularly a series of large barges and innovative undersea cable cutting technology, have drawn scrutiny from defence analysts, especially concerning their potential utility in a future invasion of Taiwan. Although these innovations may seem to have civilian applications, experts caution that they signal an expansion of China’s military capabilities at a time when the Chinese Communist Party is increasingly aggressive towards Taiwan, a self-governing territory claimed by Beijing.
Daily incursions by Chinese fighter jets and naval vessels near Taiwan, as well as frequent military exercises labelled as intimidation tactics against “Taiwan separatist forces”, highlight the escalating tensions in the region. The US, under President Trump, has shifted its foreign policy, which some believe may leave Taiwan vulnerable if the US commitment to its defence grows uncertain.
Footage of the barges, which initially surfaced on Chinese social media, showcased three large structures linked together, effectively creating a makeshift causeway extending over 800 metres from Zhanjiang’s shore. Defence experts J. Michael Dahm and Thomas Shugart noted these barges could significantly enhance the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) amphibious assault capabilities, facilitating rapid offloading of heavy military equipment, including tanks, once dominance in the air and sea is established.
Taiwan’s defence officials recognise the potential for these barges to operate as makeshift docks for amphibious operations, allowing significant troop and vehicle deployment should conflict arise. Furthermore, Chinese researchers claim to have developed a deep-sea cable cutter capable of severing vital communication links at unprecedented depths, raising alarms about the security of Taiwan’s infrastructure amidst hints of sabotage by Chinese entities.
Many analysts express concern that if conflict arises, China could cut these undersea cables to create chaos and hinder Taiwan’s military communications with allies, including the US. This technological innovation, while still potentially in the experimental phase, must be contextualised within recent incidents of undersea cable damage attributed to Chinese vessels.
The barges, likened to Britain’s WWII Mulberry Harbours, may also provide logistic advantages for the PLA, particularly if Taiwan were to destroy its ports for defensive purposes. They are designed for rapid setup and breakdown, potentially enabling multiple deployments within brief timeframes.
While the size and slow speed of these vessels render them vulnerable to attack, experts suggest that they might only be deployed after initial waves of troops have secured air and naval dominance over the Taiwan Strait. Observers believe that Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed the PLA to prepare for a potential invasion by 2027, reflecting broader concerns that China is steadily readying itself for possible military action against Taiwan.