China’s massive naval ships that experts say could be used for possible Taiwan invasion spotted in new photos

New York Post - Mar 15th, 2025

Photos have surfaced showing China's newly constructed naval vessels equipped with advanced features, potentially aligning with a strategy to invade Taiwan. These massive barges, observed in Guangzhou Shipyard, are designed with a long road-bridge capable of deploying tanks onto shores, significantly expanding China's military reach. Dr. Emma Salisbury from the Council of Geostrategy highlighted the importance of these ships in a potential Taiwan invasion, noting their ability to transport large numbers of personnel and equipment across the Strait rapidly. The vessels' design, featuring eight 'jack-up' pillars to stabilize the platform and a self-supporting ramp for docking other boats, enhances their operational flexibility.

The emergence of these dual-use ships, which integrate commercial and military applications, underscores China's strategic development of naval capabilities. The roll-on/roll-off ferries, primarily for commercial use, are built to military specifications, enabling them to carry heavy battle tanks and other military vehicles. This development reflects a broader initiative by the People's Liberation Army to modify civilian vessels for military readiness, raising concerns about China's intentions towards Taiwan and its broader geopolitical ambitions. The construction of such a fleet could alter the balance of power in the region, prompting international scrutiny and potential diplomatic tensions.

China Taiwan Military Technology Naval Vessels Invasion Strategy Guangzhou Shipyard People's Liberation Army Roll On/Roll Off Ferries

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a timely and relevant overview of China's naval developments and their potential implications for Taiwan. It effectively highlights the strategic significance of these military advancements and engages readers interested in international security. However, the article's accuracy and balance could be improved by incorporating more diverse perspectives and corroborating evidence. The story's reliance on a single viewpoint and speculative claims limits its impact and engagement potential. Overall, the article is informative and accessible, but it would benefit from greater transparency and source diversity to enhance its credibility and influence.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims about China's naval capabilities, specifically the construction of massive barges designed for military use. The description of these vessels, including their size and purpose, aligns with reports from credible sources such as Naval News. However, the story's accuracy could be improved by providing more concrete evidence or official confirmation of the vessels' existence and intended use. The claim that these barges could be used in an invasion of Taiwan is speculative and would benefit from additional verification or context regarding China's military intentions. The story accurately describes technical specifications, such as the 393-foot road-bridge and the "jack-up" pillars, but these details would be more credible with corroboration from independent sources.

Balance

The story primarily presents a single perspective focused on China's military capabilities and potential threats to Taiwan. It relies heavily on expert opinions that suggest these vessels could be part of an invasion strategy. However, it lacks viewpoints from Chinese officials or independent analysts who might provide alternative interpretations of the vessels' purpose, such as commercial or defensive uses. Including a broader range of perspectives would enhance the story's balance and provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Clarity

The story is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It provides detailed descriptions of the naval vessels and their potential military applications, making it accessible to readers with a basic understanding of military technology. The language is neutral and straightforward, avoiding technical jargon that could confuse readers. However, the story could benefit from clearer distinctions between verified facts and speculative statements to enhance reader comprehension.

Source quality

The story cites Naval News and expert opinions, which are reputable sources in the field of military analysis. The inclusion of Dr. Emma Salisbury, a Sea Power Research Fellow, adds credibility to the claims made about the vessels' capabilities. However, the story could improve its source quality by incorporating information from additional authoritative sources, such as official statements from the Chinese government or independent military analysts, to corroborate the claims made.

Transparency

The story lacks transparency in terms of the origin of the photographs and the methodology used to analyze them. It does not provide details on how the images were obtained or verified, which could affect the credibility of the claims. Additionally, the story does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases of the experts quoted. Greater transparency regarding the sources of information and the basis for the claims would strengthen the article's reliability.