Ports and sustainment decide whether a beachhead survives

Civilian roll-on/roll-off ships add capacity only when suitable offloading arrangements are available. Capturing a usable port would allow China to build up forces ashore more quickly than its limited alternative systems could manage. Port denial would prolong the crossing and buildup, giving other governments more time to respond and increasing the opportunity for resistance within Taiwan. Urban buildings of different ages have different wall thicknesses and internal layouts, complicating movement through unfamiliar neighborhoods. Old plans and later internal alterations add to that uncertainty. Familiarity with shooting sports and local terrain is also presented as a potential source of civilian resistance.