Among these new vessels are landing docks, more advanced amphibious assault ships, and specialized landing barges analysts have dubbed Shui Qiao, or "water bridges," that appear purpose-built for a potential beach landing in an attack on Taiwan.
China claims the self-ruled island as its territory and has vowed to bring it into the fold, through force if necessary. Beijing's forces have in recent years ratcheted up pressure through large-scale military drills and near-daily air sorties across the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
