What did the declassified documents reveal?

This episode presents a declassified Navy Field Operational Intelligence Office study on the capability of the People’s Republic of China naval forces, prepared on April sixteenth, nineteen seventy‑five. The document is notable because it details the Chinese amphibious lift capability, fuel‑oil replenishment capacity, and three potential amphibious assault scenarios in the western Pacific. The study was released to the public through The Black Vault. It was originally classified as a Special Intelligence Study and automatically downgraded at two‑year intervals, with a declassification date of thirty‑first December, nineteen eighty‑three, authorized by the Director of Central Intelligence. The electronic copy is available at theblackvault.com under the identifier CI02063. The document opens with a letter of promulgation from the Naval Intelligence Command, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. It reads: “THIS SPECIAL INTELLIGENCE STUDY is a Department of Defense intelligence product prepared by the Navy Field Operational Intelligence Office. This study deals with intelligence relative to the growing threat posed by potentially hostile naval forces and is intended for fleet‑wide distribution. THIS PUBLICATION contains UNCLASSIFIED information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the espionage laws, United States Code Title eighteen, sections seven ninety‑three, seven ninety‑four, and seven ninety‑eight. The revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law. No one may disseminate the information reported in this publication or communicate it to any person other than one officially indoctrinated and authorized to receive such information. Persons authorized to disseminate such information must employ only the most secure means, must take every precaution to avoid compromising the source, and must limit dissemination to the minimum number of authorized persons who need the information in order to discharge their duties. No action is to be taken on information herein reported, regardless of temporary advantage, if such action might have the effect of revealing the existence of the source. This material shall not be carried in aircraft for use therein. BE CAPTAIN, U.S. NAVY, Officer in Charge.” The study is organized into several sections. The abstract begins: “The personnel lift capability of the People’s Republic of China amphibious force is considered under three different scenarios: amphibious assault in the Spratly Island area, assault against Taiwan, and assault against South Korea. The study considers only the lift capability of the amphibious force vessels, to the exclusion of submarines, junks, and other small craft. The PRC fuel‑oil replenishment capability in the Spratly Island area is examined. The amount of fuel oil that could be transported to the Spratly Island area by Chinese small transport oilers (AOTLs) is described. The study outlines one possible mix of warships…

Why was this case declassified?

This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The originating source document is linked on this page so the citation chain is auditable.

Case File · ARCHIVE-818Declassified

Filed AUG 5 · 2026Runtime 3 min

CIA Navy Field Operational Intelligence Office Study On The Capability

U.S. public record · FOIAUpdated August 5, 2026

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◆ BLUF — The short version

This episode presents a declassified Navy Field Operational Intelligence Office study on the capability of the People’s Republic of China naval forces, prepared on April sixteenth, nineteen seventy‑five. The document is notable because it details the Chinese amphibious lift capability, fuel‑oil replenishment capacity, and three potential amphibious assault scenarios in the western Pacific.

Date: AUG 5 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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What was CIA Navy Field Operational Intelligence Office Study On The Capability about?: This episode presents a declassified Navy Field Operational Intelligence Office study on the capability of the People’s Republic of China naval forces, prepared on April sixteenth, nineteen seventy‑five. The document is notable because it details the Chinese amphibious lift capability, fuel‑oil replenishment capacity, and three potential amphibious assault scenarios in the western Pacific.
Why was this case declassified?: This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. Storyflo narrates it directly from the public release.

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