Strategic Fortifications: The Role of Mines in Taiwan's Defense Against China

[By David Axe]

If China decides to act on its long-standing threats against Taiwan, the majority of its ground forces will likely need to arrive via ports. Beach landings are limited due to a lack of proper infrastructure and the vulnerability of such positions, as highlighted by Ian Easton in a 2021 report for the Project 2049 Institute.

Even with China’s recent introduction of specialized beach landing barges—unexpected innovations that emerged earlier this year—experts like Erik Davis from ASPI argue that these vessels won’t significantly enhance China’s ability to offload troops at Taiwan’s fourteen viable beaches. Most of these locations are overshadowed by terrain that could easily become deadly zones for unloading operations.

Easton emphasizes that whether or not an invasion succeeds may depend heavily on Chinese forces’ ability to capture and utilize Taiwan’s major port facilities effectively.

This makes defending key ports from potential maritime assaults crucial for Taiwan’s military strategy. The most effective tool in this defense? you guessed it: mines.

Mines are cost-effective, difficult to detect, and can serve as both deterrents and destructive weapons against invading fleets. Though, it’s uncertain if Taiwanese leaders fully recognize their importance.

A few well-placed mine strikes could sink enough transport ships and inflict significant casualties on Chinese personnel, perhaps stalling an invasion. Sadly, Taiwan’s navy lacks sufficient minelayers to quickly establish minefields around each critical port—and even more so when considering they would be prime targets once conflict begins.

The waters surrounding Taiwan present ideal conditions for laying mines, according to Chris O’Flaherty, a retired Royal navy captain with extensive experience in naval warfare. He notes that the rocky seabed and swift currents make mine-clearing operations especially challenging here compared to other regions globally.Plus, Taiwanese anti-ship missile systems could complicate any attempts at clearing mines by targeting those involved in such operations.

A robust minefield at each vulnerable port entrance could deter or delay a Chinese invasion force—if only the Taiwanese navy can deploy them swiftly enough. A single minelayer can cover an area roughly 800 meters square with about 200 mines within just hours; however, creating a formidable barrier outside one port might require several kilometers’ worth of coverage filled with thousands of mines—a daunting task given current resources.

The urgency is clear: time is not on their side!

Taiwan cannot lay down these defensive measures until an attack seems imminent as doing so would also hinder commercial shipping routes vital for trade. While theoretically possible now—with one channel left unmined—the visibility of trade routes used by many chinese vessels makes secrecy nearly unfeasible.

Additionally, Beijing might interpret any extensive mining efforts as provocation warranting military action against Taipei rather!

Taiwan must act decisively right before hostilities erupt; though, they currently operate only four Min Jiang-class minelayers while another ten are still under progress or planning stages—not exactly reassuring numbers when facing potential aggression!

Other naval assets—including commercial ships—could assist in laying down mines but would still face immense pressure given how stretched even a fleet comprising fourteen vessels would be trying to secure multiple major ports together under fire conditions!

An all-hands-on-deck approach may still fall short! Retired US admiral James Winnefeld has suggested American forces prepare support options like submarines deploying underwater mines or stealth bombers dropping them from above—but relying solely on Washington isn’t wise either! The unpredictability surrounding US foreign policy adds another layer of uncertainty into this already complex equation!

Taipei should avoid assuming minimal efforts will suffice; after all Beijing might be willing—even eager—to absorb heavy losses if it means achieving its goal regarding Taiwan’s status! As O’Flaherty points out: “If you’re ready for casualties,” he says bluntly,” you can push through.”

This means minefields must be dense enough not just merely damage but potentially eliminate attacking fleets altogether rather than simply scaring them off!

David Axe is a journalist and filmmaker based in South Carolina