China
has made a historic decision to reveal details about its nuclear submarine
force. Mainstream media outlets across the country have provided wide
coverage about the force's first fleet, its safety record, as well as
training and technological advancements. But what does this transparency
mean? What signals is China trying to send? Xinhuanet reporter Han Bin
interviews Chinese military experts to find out more. |
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Coming
up for air, China’s nuclear submarines used to be one of the world’s
best-kept secrets.
Chinese journalists were recently invited to an open house where they
got a thorough introduction to this strategic force for the first time.
Both ballistic missile submarines and attack submarines have been shown
on national TV.
“We’ve made great progress through technological improvements,
as well in mass training over long-distances and combat capabilities.”
Said Wang Zhonghui, captain of China Nuclear Submarine.
China’s nuclear submarine force is a key pillar of the country’s
military strength, with the latest equipment being designed domestically.
Military expert Yin Zhuo reveals the significance of the force.
“China says it has a no first use nuclear weapons policy. Nuclear
submarines can effectively deter and fight back against those who want
to launch nuclear attacks on China. It can reduce the danger of nuclear
war. ” Military expert Major General Yin Zhuo said.
It’s believed that the nuclear submarine force is a symbol of
naval strength and a guardian of national security. China’s is
the only such maritime strategic force in Asia.
“By showing the world China’s military development, the
army hopes to deter those who have ulterior motives. Those who want
to challenge China’s core interests; they will not only face its
naval aviation forces, but also its underwater submarine forces.”
Yin said.
Reporter: “Ever since it was founded, China’s elite unit
of nuclear submarines has kept a low profile. So, many are surprised
to see openness of the deterrent force today. Chinese military observers
believe China’s nuclear submarine force has become strong, and
confident enough to reveal its stealth.”
(Source: CNTV.cn) |
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Type
092 Xia class SSBN
The 6,500-ton Type 092 Daqingyu (NATO designation Xia class, Chinese
designation 09-II) submarine was the first ballistic missile-carrying,
nuclear-powered submarine class (SSBN) deployed by the Chinese People's
Liberation Army Navy, and the first SSBN designed and built in Asia.
The design is derived from the Han-Class SSNs, with an extended hull
to accommodate twelve missile tubes. At least two additional units were
expected, but construction of further units was canceled around 1985
in favor of developing an all-new, larger design with longer-range missiles.
The first Ju Lang-1 submerged launch took place from the Golf-class
trials submarine on 12-10-82 to a range of 1,600 km. The missile is
believed to have two solid-propulsion stages and to have a range of
1,700 km. The first Xia missile launch took place 7-88, and no further
launches have been announced.
Type 091 Han class SSN
The 4,500/5,500-ton Type 091 (NATO designation Han-class, Chinese designation
09-I) was the first nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) class deployed by
the People's Liberation Army Navy. The first submarine in the class
was commissioned in 1974 and the fifth and final boat of the class was
commissioned in 1990. The Han-Class is the first generation of nuclear-powered
submarines in the PLAN. All Han class SSNs are assigned to the North
Sea Fleet and based near Qingdao.
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