↑For the purposes of this document, the "Taiwan Strait Area" includes the PLA's Eastern and Southern Theaters.
↑For the purpose of this document, "Artillery Pieces" refers to systems 100mm and larger, are either towed or self-propelled, and includes Multiple Rocket Launchers (MRLs)
Note: This chart displays estimated totals of military aircraft from both PLAAF and PLAN aviation. However, the PLAAF may supplement its military transports with civilian aircraft in a combat scenario.
↑ 1.01.11.2The totals in parentheses include fighter trainers.
TAIWAN STRAIT MILITARY BALANCE, NAVAL FORCES
CHINA
TAIWAN
Total
Eastern and Southern Theater Command Navies
Total
Aircraft Carriers
2
1
0
Amphibious Assault Ships
3
3
0
Cruisers
8
4
0
Destroyers
42
30
4
Frigates
47
30
22
Corvettes
50
40
0
Medium Landing Ships/ Tank Landing Ships/Amphibious Transport Dock
57
50
50
Attack Submarines
47
31
4
Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines
6
2
0
Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarines
6
6
0
Coastal Patrol (Missile)
60
60
43
Coast Guard Ships
142
N/A
168
Note: The PLAN has the largest force of principal combatants, submarines, and amphibious warfare ships in Asia. In the event of a major Taiwan conflict, the Eastern and Southern Theater Command Navies would participate in direct action against the Taiwan Navy. The Northern Theater Navy (not shown) would be responsible primarily for protecting the sea approaches to China, but could provide mission-critical assets to support other fleets. In conflict, China may also employ CCG and CMM ships to support military operations.