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China's development of "special-purpose barges" has raised alarm among analysts, fuelling concerns over the country's potential plans to invade Taiwan, as reported by Radio Free Asia.
RFA reported that according to experts, these vessels could enhance Beijing's ability to rapidly deploy troops and equipment to Taiwan, particularly in the face of challenges posed by the island's rough, difficult-to-navigate waters. At least five of these massive barges are being built at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) on Longxue Island, a facility known for constructing unconventional vessels. The barges, which are flat-bottomed for optimal use in shallow waters, are designed to carry heavy cargo, including military vehicles, and unload efficiently without the need for port infrastructure. According to RFA, the barges feature unusually long road bridges, exceeding 120 meters (393 feet), that extend from their fronts. This design enables them to reach coastal roads or hard surfaces beyond beaches, facilitating the offloading of trucks and tanks. Some barges are also equipped with "jack-up" pillars, which can stabilize the platform in rough sea conditions, ensuring that unloading operations can continue even in adverse weather. Radio Free Asia reported that Chieh Chung, a research fellow at Taiwan's Association of Strategic Foresight, explained that China has been working for over two decades to improve its "pier-free unloading" capability. While previous attempts, such as using floating bridges and artificial piers, faced difficulties in rough seas, the new barges address these issues by operating closer to shore and using the road bridges' pillar support to counteract challenging conditions. Michael Hunzeker, associate director at George Mason University's Center for Security Policy Studies, noted that these developments underscore Beijing's serious intentions regarding Taiwan, RFA reported. He suggested that the construction of these vessels signals that China continues to view force as a viable option for achieving its goal of annexing Taiwan, a region it considers a part of its territory. (ANI)
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