Additional Coverage:
China’s Taiwan Invasion Strategy
An invasion of Taiwan by China hinges on securing a port to bring in heavy equipment and supplies.
Port Targets
China’s likely targets are commercial or industrial ports with nearby beaches and less dense urban areas. These ports allow for rapid offloading of tanks and other heavy weapons.
Challenges for China
Taiwan has the potential to fortify its ports with weapons, obstacles, and mined shipping channels.
Chinese Invasion Plan
China’s plan likely involves heavy bombardment, commandos to neutralize defenses, and amphibious forces to make beach landings and pincer movements around ports.
Historical Lesson
Historically, direct attacks on heavily defended ports have often failed. The Dieppe raid in 1942 is a notable example.
Taiwan’s Response
Taiwan can strengthen its port defenses with missiles, mines, and urban warfare units. It can also reduce China’s influence in Taiwanese ports.
Importance of Ports
The fate of an invasion depends on which side controls the ports. Without secure logistics lines, an invasion will falter.