Commentary If (or when) the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launches an amphibious assault on Taiwan, the PLA Marine Corps (PLAMC) will play an important role. But the bulk of the invasion force will likely be the PLA’s 50,000 amphibious-trained Army troops. However, that doesn’t mean PLAMC development and expansion doesn’t deserve careful attention. With an eye on the future—and the entire globe—Beijing has more than just Taiwan in mind for the Chinese Marines. Looking to the US Marine Corps as a Model The Chinese Marines have apparently studied the U.S. Marine Corps and its organization and operations—particularly expeditionary capabilities. For decades, whenever something happens overseas that requires the United States to quickly employ force or to put “boots on the ground” for humanitarian or any other purpose, one of the two questions asked is: Where are the Marines? The other is: Where are the aircraft carriers? To be ready …