This article examines China's development of massive mobile landing platforms and their potential implications for future military operations, particularly in the context of a possible invasion of Taiwan. These platforms could drastically alter China's ability to project power and conduct amphibious assaults.
Construction and Design
China has been constructing these large mobile platforms in shipyards. The construction of these ships suggests a shift in modern military strategy as Beijing's military activities escalate around Taiwan, rapidly building up both its military and civilian forces. This increased activity suggests that the threat to the island is becoming increasingly realistic.
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These platforms are being built in Guangzhou.
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They are designed to potentially deliver large numbers of vehicles directly onto beaches.
Features and Capabilities
These platforms boast unique design features and capabilities, enabling them to potentially support a D-Day-style amphibious assault.
Stabilization and Structure
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They possess distinctive "ankles" that stabilize them in the water.
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Their long hull extends from the platform down to what appears to be a beach-like slope.
Dimensions
The platforms feature multiple lanes for vehicle deployment:
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One lane is over 400 meters long with four 105-meter legs.
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A central lane has six 164-meter legs.
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The final lane has eight 180-meter legs.
Testing and Deployment
The platforms have been observed undergoing sea trials, demonstrating their functionality.
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They were observed approximately 225 kilometers southwest of China's South Sand Island.
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Testing included raising themselves out of the water.
It was noted that the vessels did not transmit their locations using the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which is common practice for civilian ships. Their paint scheme also resembles that of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
Coordination with Other Vessels
The mobile landing platforms appear designed to coordinate with other vessels within China's naval fleet.
Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Vessels
China utilizes civilian Ro-Ro ferries to transport troops and equipment. These vessels can hold heavy vehicles and appear specifically designed to connect with the mobile landing platforms. These Ro-Ro ferries have side ramps that connect to the platforms.
Lighter Ships
Smaller "lighter" ships can dock alongside the mobile platforms, facilitating the transfer of supplies.
Potential Impact on Amphibious Assaults
These landing platforms could dramatically improve China's ability to conduct amphibious assaults by providing a more efficient way to land troops and equipment. The contact platform can potentially transfer hundreds of vehicles per hour at sea, including PLA's strongest vessels.
Integration with Existing Military Assets
The mobile landing platforms can cooperate with air cushion landing craft (LCAC) that can deploy troops to the shore, as well as military-specific aircraft. This combination could potentially deliver troops and equipment even to areas that currently are not accessible by those ships.
Strategic Implications for Taiwan
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The deployment of these platforms complicates Taiwan's defense strategy by increasing the number of potential landing sites.
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Analysts previously believed that Taiwan could concentrate its defenses on a limited number of suitable landing locations.
Future Developments
After sea trials, the three platforms returned to the Guangzhou shipyard, where China is reportedly building a second batch. U.S. officials have indicated that Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed the PLA to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027. While most military experts believe China is not yet prepared for a full-scale amphibious assault, these landing platforms represent a significant step toward achieving that capability.
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