A classified US military intelligence report seen by the ABC says China is rapidly building up the country’s commercial ferry fleet to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan.

The report dates from earlier this year and was prepared by members of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) for the Pentagon.

The US intelligence says the large ocean-going vessels have been modified to carry tanks and partake in amphibious operations.

China is building more than 70 of the large vessels by the end of 2026.

  • Dr. Moose@lemmy.worldOP
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    4 days ago

    Totally, they’re building up military and capabilities just for shits and giggles. Also Xi literally saying that they will take Taiwan no ifs or buts about it multiple times but somehow “it’s propaganda” lmao

    https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/no-one-can-separate-taiwan-from-china-xi/3438987

    “We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family. No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us,” Xi said in his 2025 New Year message, Xinhua News Agency reported.

    “No one can block the historical momentum of the reunification of the motherland,” he added.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-58854081

    “The historical task of the complete reunification of the motherland must be fulfilled, and will definitely be fulfilled”

    • pathos@lemmy.world
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      4 days ago

      There IS a propagandistic dimension to this, even as it doesn’t dispel the threat of invasion. The PRC tries to exploit their military development spending to project an image of strength but not to solely bully Taiwan or the Tiger states but towards its own population. It’s a display of strength to further the image of chinese hegemony. Maintaining this image is just as important for inner political stability.

    • dogbert@lemmy.zip
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      4 days ago

      China building an army: totally proof that they are going to invade a “country”

      Any other country on earth building an army: just self defence!

      LMAO

      I hope you’re getting paid for this shit at least…

      • Dr. Moose@lemmy.worldOP
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        4 days ago

        You know that everyone can check your profile and public post history right? all you do is shill for China with your 1 week old troll account. Go rake a gulag or smt tankie troll.

        • dogbert@lemmy.zip
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          4 days ago

          You know you got out-debated when you gotta resort to this “I saw your profile” nonsense. Maybe sit this one out next time little fella. You are out of your depths here.