TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two Chinese naval vessels simulated a landing attack against Taiwan in mid-November in an area just 111 kilometers east of the country, Japan’s Sankei Shimbun reported Wednesday (Nov. 24).
The ships were seen maneuvering in waters near Japan’s Okinawa and Yonaguni as well as Taiwan, according to the report. Both were amphibious transport landing dock ships of the Yuzhao Class, also known as Type 071.
After moving south between Taiwan and Yonaguni on Nov. 14, the ships lingered in the area east of Hualien County, but it was not clear what they did there, according to CNA.
The Japanese newspaper explained how a Chinese attack was more likely to target Taiwan’s west coast, as the east coast features numerous steep cliffs and few spots easy to land. However, the report noted how a military airport near Hualien might provide refuge to Taiwan Air Force planes if China launches a missile attack against the west coast.
The Sankei Shimbun quoted an unnamed Taiwanese official as saying China might add southwestern islands in Japan as targets during a war and that the communist country’s Marines are practicing amphibious landings as well as how to occupy small islands and repel air and sea attacks.
The report also mentioned that the Chinese Navy’s Type 071 ships could carry four helicopters and 900 soldiers each as well as smaller landing vessels and amphibious vehicles. There are eight of these ships in operation, with the first of a newer version, Type 075, having been launched in April.
