Chapter Nine
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Furthermore, China possesses the biggest submarine fleet in Asia and
deploys at least 55 diesel submarines including YUAN class (Type
039A/B) which is thought to graft technologies of Russian KILO class on
its MING class submarine. The newest Yuan class submarine was first
commissioned in 2004 and 14 subs in total are estimated to be
commissioned. Yuan class is believed to be equipped with an Air-
Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which allows the submarine to stay
submerged longer than with propulsion with an accumulator. It is quite
difficult to detect these submarines in shallow water areas around Taiwan
or the Ryukyu Islands. Hence, deployment of AIP submarines could be a
potential threat for neighbors as they might block free navigation on sea
lanes and high seas.
In addition to the diesel submarines, PLAN operates at least two or
three SHANG class nuclear powered attack submarines (Type 093) and
three JIN class nuclear ballistic missile submarines (Type 094). The
Washington Times reported that the PRC is expected to begin the first sea
patrol of JIN class SSBNs with 12 CSS-NX-14/JL-2 SLBM (firing range:
7,000+km) next year.^4 A report on missile threats to America,^5 published
by the U.S. Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center in July
2013, highlights that the missile JL-2 SLBM will, for the first time, allow
Chinese SSBNs to target positions in the United States from operation
areas located near the Chinese coast.
China is earnestly preparing not only the combatant craft, but also
several kinds of landing ships: a YUZHAO class (Type 071) landing ship
with a dock (LSD) and a Type 081 amphibious assault ship (LHA) for
force projection mainly toward Taiwan and PKO missions. Kanwa
Information Center, based in Canada, which publishes a military weekly,
reported in August 2013 that the PRC has been building the first Chinese
amphibious assault ship Type 081 LHA (35,000t in full-load) in
Shanghai.^6 The LHA will be expected to play an important role in a wide
range of areas from combatant mission to non-combatant one.
China’s expanding of maritime activities
In addition to increasing the naval capability quantitatively, PLAN’s
activities have been increasing dramatically and their sphere of activities
(^4) The Washington Times, “Red Tie: China deploys new class of strategic missile
submarines next year.“/
(^5) U.S. Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Ballistic and Cruise
Missile Threat.
(^6) Kanwa Information Center, 26 August 2013.