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This incongruity between the PLAN amphibious sealift capacity and the planning requirements for an invasion of Taiwan is likely behind the drafting of civilian cargo ships into auxiliary service. The difference in actual versus required capacity alone explains the study of commandeering cargo ships, and it may well explain the research into arming them as well. It is a reasonable assumption that a 360% sealift capacity increase from 15,000 to 69,000 troops would require a similar increase in amphibious fire support. Short of purchasing Iowa Class battleships for use "as floating casinos," it is unlikely PLAN will commission regular force ships to meet this fire support requirement in the near future [5]. As such, the interest in arming cargo ships to meet this expanded requirement becomes apparent.

While some analysts might say the comparison to Normandy is an obsolete perspective that has little bearing on today's potential conflicts, the fact is that PLA planners must be prepared for every possible contingency, and a full-scale invasion is one of those. However, there is another possible reason for the release of photos depicting measures taken to arm cargo ships. That reason is deception.

It is possible that the pictures currently circulating on the internet and in regional publications are part of a disinformation campaign. The possible goals of this campaign could be threefold. One, to further intimidate the Taiwanese population in order to bring about an accelerated reunification under terms favorable to the PRC. Two, to falsely portray an intention to arm cargo ships furthering the idea that the PLA is planning for a large-scale invasion while they instead pursue more asymmetric means of conquest. And three, to introduce the idea that every cargo ship is a potential amphibious transport and thus overwhelm Taiwanese defenses with too many targets.

To further examine the possibility of deception as the reason for the photos existence, one can analyze some of the images. In the most striking picture, the deck of a cargo ship is shown covered with a variety of PLA land combat systems. From front to rear a Type 54 122mm Howitzer, Type 59 130mm Gun, Type 62 Tank, a Type 59 Series Tank, a Type 89 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer, and another vehicle are seen chained down to the deck and firing a "broadside." To load a variety of weapons like this most likely indicates a test in progress rather than an operational exercise. While tactical crossloading of soldiers and equipment is desirable within a unit, the wide variety of systems shown here exceeds that intention. If the photo does indicate a test in progress, and the variety of vehicles shown is not an employment option, one could question the utility of simultaneously firing a broadside. Any data gleaned from this mix of guns firing in unison would not be representative of like guns firing together. If it is neither a crossloading example nor a test, then it is likely propaganda: however; the possibility exists that a propaganda photo was taken in the middle of an actual test.