Stairway to Taiwan: Decoding China’s Amphibious Bridging System

Recent satellite and ground imagery have revealed an advanced system of Chinese amphibious bridging barges, potentially designed for a large-scale amphibious operation targeting Taiwan. The discovery of these platforms, developed by CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering Company (COMEC), suggests a strategic push by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to enhance its amphibious warfare capabilities. These new designs raise questions about their intended use, operational flexibility, and strategic implications for regional security.

Understanding the Amphibious Bridging Barges

COMEC, a well-established supplier for the Chinese military, has diversified its shipbuilding capabilities beyond traditional vessels like replenishment oilers and hospital ships. The emergence of these amphibious bridging barges signals China’s interest in innovative systems capable of facilitating rapid force deployment across challenging maritime environments.

Unlike conventional transport ships, these platforms employ a jack-up barge design. This means they can extend their legs to stand on the seabed, providing a stable platform for high-load transfers and troop movements. Notably, these are self-propelled, allowing them to travel independently across significant distances, a crucial factor for operations in the Taiwan Strait.

Key Variants and Their Capabilities

China appears to have developed three primary operational designs, each serving a distinct purpose:

1. Type 2 (Shuiqiao 110): The most compact design, featuring four legs, a 140-meter ramp, and a 38-meter beam. This unit serves as a bridgehead in shallow waters, enabling a direct connection to the shore. However, it lacks the ability to berth transport ships, necessitating external support.

2. Type 1 (Shuiqiao 135): Larger than Type 2, this variant measures 135 meters in length and has two extendable platforms, allowing Ro/Ro ferries to offload vehicles and supplies. It features six legs, longer and sturdier than those on Type 2, suggesting its capability to operate in deeper waters.

3. Type 3 (Shuiqiao 185): The largest variant, measuring 185 meters in length with eight legs for enhanced stability. It includes an additional extendable platform at its stern, optimizing it as the terminal point in a bridging system for disembarking large military assets.

These platforms were observed undergoing testing near Zhanjiang, with movements to Donghai Island, further indicating their operational significance.

Strategic Implications for Taiwan

The Chinese amphibious bridging system is unlikely to play a role in the initial wave of an invasion. Instead, its function would be to support the second phase of operations, where follow-on forces and heavy equipment—such as tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and air defense systems—are rapidly transported onto secured beachheads.

The initial assault would likely be conducted using PLAN’s Type 075 LHDs, Type 071 LPDs, and Type 072 LSTs, supported by hovercraft and airborne operations. Once a beachhead is established, the bridging system would accelerate logistics, ensuring the continuous flow of reinforcements and supplies.

Beyond Military Applications?

Some analysts have suggested that these platforms could have humanitarian applications, such as disaster relief operations. However, given their design and mobility, this seems unlikely as a primary purpose. China's existing naval logistics and amphibious capabilities are more suited for humanitarian missions, making it clear that these new barges are primarily intended for military use.

Conclusion

China’s amphibious bridging system represents a significant development in its military strategy, particularly regarding Taiwan. By enhancing its ability to conduct rapid force buildup after an initial assault, the PLAN is demonstrating a clear commitment to refining its invasion logistics. While these platforms may not be used in direct combat, their ability to support sustained operations poses a strategic challenge for Taiwan and its allies. As regional tensions persist, monitoring China’s advancements in amphibious warfare will remain critical for assessing potential conflict scenarios in the Indo-Pacific.