China flaunts ‘tank boats’ in naval drill as Taiwan launches largest-ever drill

China has released a new video showcasing a fleet of amphibious armored vessels—dubbed "tank boats"—off its southeast coast near the Taiwan Strait.

The video, broadcast by China's state media, shows infantry boarding and maneuvering the boats during what it described as coastal landing and island-attack training exercises.

This display of military muscle comes as Taiwan begins its largest-ever military drill, the 10-day Han Kuang exercise, involving live-fire training and deployment of US-supplied defense systems.

The Chinese drills were filmed in Fujian province, directly opposite Taiwan. Analysts say the exercises appear to simulate amphibious assault scenarios, reinforcing fears about China’s potential plans for an invasion of Taiwan.

The vessels shown are reportedly capable of both open-sea navigation and direct coastal landings, adding a new layer of complexity to China's maritime capabilities.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has responded with unprecedented scale and visibility. Its Han Kuang exercises include live firing of tanks, missile system demonstrations, and anti-landing simulations in key urban centers.

Over 22,000 reservists have been mobilized, and US-supplied Abrams M1A2T tanks and HIMARS rocket launchers are being tested across multiple terrains. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te oversaw the drills, emphasizing the island’s readiness to defend its sovereignty against “growing regional threats.”

While Beijing has dismissed Taiwan’s war games as political provocation, Taipei maintains it is acting in self-defense. Observers note that both sides are increasing the frequency and scale of military maneuvers near the Strait, pushing regional tensions to the brink.

International defense analysts have also pointed to the expansion of China’s fleet of Shuiqiao-class landing barges, which can deploy troops and vehicles directly onto beaches by forming floating bridges.

These developments, combined with more aggressive Chinese patrols and naval drills, are raising concerns among regional allies and prompting renewed diplomatic and military coordination between Taiwan and Western partners.

The growing visibility of these exercises—from Taiwan’s public evacuation drills to China’s viral military videos—signals a hardening of positions on both sides.

With tensions running high, experts warn that any misstep in the Strait could have serious consequences far beyond the region.