A classified US intelligence report seen by the ABC has revealed China is modifying its commercial ferry fleet in preparation for a potential invasion of Taiwan.Five Eyes observations have noted that more than 70 vessels are being fortified and strengthened to carry armoured vehicles. The report prepared for the Pentagon has identified these ferries as possible military targets in a conflict with China. ANU Security College’s David Andrews says the ferries would likely be used in the second phase of an operation to invade Taiwan. Beijing claims self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory and sees any effort to reclaim it as an attempt at reunification.
