Chinese “D-Day style” barges have been spotted practising what appear to be amphibious landings in the South China Sea.

Footage shows the Chinese navy exercising the huge special landing barges, which defence analysts warn could prove critical in the event of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan.

The Shuiqiao barges, which seemingly draw inspiration from the Mulberry harbours built for the Normandy landings in 1944, have long road bridges measuring up to 120m (394ft) extending from their bows.

The bridges act as a floating, retractable pier that could be used to rapidly unload tanks, fighting vehicles, heavy equipment or troops from ships on to enemy shores.

They may also allow Beijing’s forces to bypass beach defences or to reach beaches previously considered unsuitable for amphibious landings.