Beijing Rapidly Expanding Military Infrastructure Along Coast Facing Taiwan: MAC Report
Taipei, Taiwan – China is aggressively building and upgrading military infrastructure along its eastern coastline opposite Taiwan, including facilities capable of supporting large-scale amphibious assault operations, according to a report released today by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC). The build-up signals a heightened capacity for potential military action against Taiwan and its surrounding islands.
The MAC report details the construction of naval facilities at Zhejiang Province’s Yueqing Bay, featuring a large wharf designed to accommodate numerous vessels. Infrastructure improvements at Fuzhou Changle International Airport are geared towards increased warplane operations, perhaps including frontline fuel stations and military logistics hubs. Additionally, the Xiamen xiangan International Airport, currently under construction on Dadeng Island – where land reclamation has doubled in recent years – is linked to extensive railway and highway systems and could be utilized for military purposes, given its proximity of just 3.7km to Taiwan’s Kinmen County.
A newly constructed helicopter base in Zhangpu County has also seen the addition of helipads and maintenance hangars, potentially supporting operations aimed at seizing Penghu County, the report states.
Notably, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) has significantly increased its missile stockpile, growing by nearly 50% over the past four years to approximately 3,500 missiles, according to data from the US Department of Defense. While the number of missiles specifically deployed along China’s eastern coast and aimed at Taiwan remains unclear, satellite imagery reveals the construction of larger military bases and more missile launchers in the region.These images also show PLARF soldiers conducting missile-launching drills in diverse locations, including farmlands, valleys, highways, and coastal areas facing Taiwan.
The MAC assessment suggests this massive missile arsenal is intended to deter Taiwanese resistance and discourage potential US intervention.
The report also indicates potential collaboration, noting that information from multiple sources suggests Moscow is assisting Beijing in bolstering airborne and special operation capabilities for potential seizure of Taiwan and its outlying islands.
These findings come amid increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan. The Ministry of National defense reported detecting 26 Chinese military aircraft and 10 vessels operating around Taiwan between 6pm on Friday and 6am yesterday. Twenty-three of the aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, entering Taiwan’s air defense identification zones. Twelve aircraft later conducted operations at sea, also crossing the median line, before proceeding to the western Pacific for “long-range offshore” training. Taiwan’s armed forces responded by monitoring the situation and deploying aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems.
The MAC report underscores the escalating military pressure from Beijing and highlights the ongoing concerns regarding China’s intentions towards Taiwan.
