China Accelerates Amphibious-Operation Preparations in Taiwan Strait

China is accelerating preparations for an amphibious operation across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said in its annual report on the People's Republic of China's military strength. While earlier editions focused mainly on rearmament, this year's assessment highlights Beijing's effort to build a fully integrated joint amphibious assault system.

The report says the People's Liberation Army has shifted its landing concept away from assaulting Taiwan's heavily fortified coast. Instead, first-echelon forces would be inserted inland by transport aircraft and helicopters, bypassing coastal defenses such as anti-ship missiles, drones, and unmanned boats. The PLA is upgrading Zhi-20 transport helicopters, developing unmanned cargo helicopters, re-equipping airborne units with new infantry fighting vehicles, transports, and self-propelled mortars, and practicing refueling and resupply from sea platforms.

At sea, China is building Type 076 universal amphibious assault ships, self-propelled landing barges, and floating bridge platforms capable of unloading troops and heavy equipment even if port infrastructure is destroyed. Beijing is also deploying low-orbit Guowang and Qianfan satellite constellations and planning a fourth-generation Beidou navigation system to maintain command and communications under adversarial conditions. Cyber, electronic-warfare, AI, deepfake, and logistics capabilities are being strengthened, including medical evacuation for extended operations with significant casualties.

Taiwan assesses that the PLA still lacks all capabilities needed for a successful invasion, but modernization is proceeding quickly. Most programs are expected to be completed between 2030 and 2035.