China Gambles, Readies Masses of ‘Cannon Fodder’ for Warfare

China Gambles, Readies Masses of ‘Cannon Fodder’ for Warfare

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Many people speculate that such barges could be launched within months, and given China’s rapid shipbuilding capabilities, a large fleet could finish within a short time. However, these vessels are slow, poorly protected, and vulnerable without air and naval superiority. Any attempt at a "lightning assault" across the Taiwan Strait would likely end in disaster, as they could become easy targets for cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, or drones long before reaching their destination. Securing the air and sea, where China has significant weaknesses, would be a monumental challenge.

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