Image Credit: Taiwan News
An analysis by American earth imaging company Planet Labs PBC identified what appeared to be a major amphibious landing drill by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in China’s Fujian Province late last month. The exercise, reportedly observed on 28 August, took place in Dacheng Bay, an area regularly utilised by the PLA for amphibious operations, according to the company.
Planet Labs’ geospatial assessment revealed several amphibious craft approaching the Fujian coastline, alongside amphibious fighting vehicles. The firm suggested that these vessels likely included Yupen (Type 271) class landing crafts, often used in PLA training exercises. Additionally, a significant number of military vehicles and equipment were seen inland, believed to be linked to the drills.
On 4 September, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) disclosed that it had detected the PLA conducting a joint amphibious exercise at the same location. The MND reported that fighter jets, auxiliary aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles were coordinating with amphibious vessels and roll-on/roll-off ships transporting ground forces.
Taiwan’s defence ministry emphasised its continued vigilance, with armed forces monitoring the region’s activities through joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The drills are seen as part of China’s ongoing military preparations, raising concerns in Taiwan amid heightened cross-strait tensions.