The Republic of China military launched “Project National Glory,” a top-secret program to develop capabilities for a large-scale amphibious invasion of mainland China, marking the most ambitious military initiative of the Chiang Kai-shek era.
Strategic Objectives
Project National Glory aimed to achieve multiple goals:
Primary Mission
- Amphibious Assault Capability: Build force for mainland landing
- Guerrilla Support: Coordinate with mainland resistance
- Coastal Strongholds: Establish beachheads on Fujian coast
- Political Liberation: Restore ROC control over mainland
“The hour of national recovery draws near. Our forces will return to liberate the enslaved millions on the mainland.”
Military Preparations
The project encompassed comprehensive military development:
Equipment Modernization
- Naval Forces: New LSTs and patrol boats acquired
- Air Support: Fighter-bomber squadrons expanded
- Special Forces: Commando units created for infiltration
- Intelligence: Mainland spy networks activated
US Response
American reaction proved mixed and cautious:
Support Provided:
- Military advisors and training assistance
- Defensive weapons systems
- Intelligence sharing on PLA movements
Limitations Imposed:
- No offensive weapons for mainland attacks
- Restrictions on unilateral military action
- Diplomatic pressure for restraint
US officials privately express concern about ROC military adventurism potentially triggering wider conflict.
Operational Planning
Project National Glory included detailed invasion scenarios:
Phase 1: Softening Operations
- Air strikes on coastal defense positions
- Commando raids on key installations
- Propaganda campaigns to incite uprising
Phase 2: Amphibious Assault
- Multi-division landings on Fujian beaches
- Airborne drops to secure inland objectives
- Naval blockade of major ports
Phase 3: Consolidation
- Establish secure base areas
- Link up with guerrilla forces
- Advance toward major cities
Intelligence Operations
The project coordinated with existing covert activities:
- Mainland Infiltration: Agents inserted via submarine
- Guerrilla Coordination: Arms and supplies for resistance
- Psychological Warfare: Radio broadcasts and leaflet drops
- Defection Programs: Incentives for PLA personnel
International Context
Project National Glory operated within Cold War dynamics:
- Soviet Threat: PRC military modernization concerns
- Regional Stability: SEATO alliance considerations
- Nuclear Factor: Potential for escalation to strategic weapons
- UN Politics: Competition for China representation
The ambitious project would continue in various forms throughout the 1960s, though changing geopolitical realities and US restraint prevented its implementation, gradually evolving from invasion planning to defensive posture as Taiwan’s strategic focus shifted.