Chinese researcher urges faster plans to weaponise civilian ships

A researcher linked to China’s top economic planning body is urging Beijing to accelerate a programme that would let the military commandeer civilian ships in wartime, citing Britain’s use of merchant vessels during the 1982 Falklands War as a model. Li Jin, who works under the National Development and Reform Commission, laid out the argument in a paper published last month in the journal Defence Industry Conversion in China, according to the South China Morning Post.

Li’s proposal includes a sweeping survey of China’s civilian fleet to create a detailed database covering speed, cargo capacity, and crew qualifications, with special attention to oil tankers and semi-submersible ships. He also urges more frequent drills and that new vessels be designed for dual use from the start, with conversion plans ready. The article offers subsidies, tax breaks, and rewards to encourage company participation.

Evidence that China has already begun experimenting with these concepts emerged last year, when observers spotted a containerised weapon module suite aboard the cargo ship Zhong Da 79, including modular missile launchers and radar systems. Analysts are debating whether such modular technology could turn merchant vessels into combat platforms during a conflict.