TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Satellite images show China rapidly building five major military sites along its eastern coast, signaling preparations for a potential conflict over Taiwan, according to a Mainland Affairs Council report.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) issued the warning after chairing a high-level national security meeting on Nov. 26, saying Beijing aims to “complete preparations for the military unification of Taiwan by 2027,” per Newtalk. The council’s latest quarterly report added that China has been expanding infrastructure at five sites from north to south along the coast.
In Shanghai, the Pudong Naval Base has added underground fuel storage tanks, railway branch lines, and amphibious operations facilities. The base hosted more than 10 amphibious vessels in May, including a Type 075 landing helicopter assault ship reportedly capable of carrying about 5,000 troops.
In Zhejiang’s Yueqing Bay, China has constructed new large berths to support extensive naval operations. Fuzhou Changle International Airport has added additional aircraft operating space as a military backup for forward refueling and logistics.
Xiamen’s Dadeng Island, home to Xiangan International Airport, has doubled its reclaimed land area and lies just 3.7 kilometers from Kinmen. The site functions as an air cargo and logistics hub with strong rail and road links and can be converted for military use if needed.
In Fujian’s Zhangpu County, new helipads and maintenance hangars were added to a helicopter base. The report said this facility could serve as a forward staging point for operations to seize Penghu County.
The Pentagon estimates the PLA Rocket Force’s stockpile of nuclear and conventional missiles has grown nearly 50% over four years to about 3,500. However, it remains unclear how many are deployed on the east coast targeting Taiwan.
Satellite imagery shows Rocket Force brigades constructing larger bases, adding launchers and conducting missile drills in farmlands, hidden valleys, near highways and on coastal points facing Taiwan.
The council said researchers in Washington view missiles as the starting point for any Chinese coercive action. The PLA’s missile stockpile is a political message meant to convince Taiwan that resistance is futile while warning the U.S. it would be unable to intervene, per Liberty Times.
Multiple sources indicate Russia is helping China enhance airborne and special operations capabilities for island-seizure missions. This includes supplying equipment for an airborne battalion of special forces.
China is also reportedly purchasing Russian weapons and equipment, including 37 light amphibious assault vehicles, 11 light amphibious anti-tank self-propelled guns, 11 airborne armored personnel carriers and several command and reconnaissance vehicles. It has requested modifications and performance upgrades and hopes Russia can deliver the equipment “ahead of schedule.”
