New Footage Reveals China’s Secretive ‘Invasion Barges’
New footage has emerged showcasing China’s latest amphibious barge system—a jack-up-supported temporary pier designed for large-scale military landings. These barges were recently revealed during an amphibious landing exercise near Zhanjiang.
The development of these so-called “invasion barges,” designed for the rapid transfer of tanks, trucks, and other armored vehicles from ships to shore via a 120-meter-long ramp, aligns with Beijing’s efforts to enhance the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) amphibious capabilities. Defense analysts suggest these barges could play a critical role in a potential invasion of Taiwan or other military operations in the South China Sea.
Satellite imagery from the Guangzhou Shipyard International on Longxue Island earlier this year confirmed the active construction of specialized barges designed for PLAN amphibious operations. The exact number of special barges remains unclear, but reports suggest between three and seven.
However, in a post on X, (formerly Twitter) Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security claimed that three jack-up barges previously seen under construction have departed.
Online defense magazine Army Recognition in its report remarked that China’s invasion barges could operate alongside other amphibious assault vessels, enabling Chinese forces to maintain a steady supply chain during an invasion. “In theory, this capability would allow China to rapidly increase its combat power on Taiwanese soil, delivering everything from fuel to tanks without requiring an intact port, which could be out of reach or heavily defended.”
The report however noted that Taiwan’s defenses must not be overlooked.
“Taiwan’s coastal defenses are robust, featuring advanced missile systems, including long-range anti-ship missiles, coastal artillery, and radar-guided air defense systems. These defenses pose a substantial threat to any unprotected or slow-moving vessels, especially during the critical phases of amphibious assaults,” the report said.
