Could Beijing’s HQ-17 air-defence system defend PLA amphibious forces from Taiwan strikes?

Before mainland Chinese troops could attempt a landing on Taiwan, they would first have to assemble vehicles, weapons and supplies along the coast – potentially exposing them to Taiwanese drone, rocket and missile attacks.

A nighttime drill reported by state broadcaster CCTV on June 11 offered a glimpse of how the People’s Liberation Army could shield those amphibious forces as they prepared to cross the Taiwan Strait.

As soldiers headed into open water aboard amphibious armoured vehicles, a...