Asia

Inside China’s Latest Submarine Development and Its Potential Impact on US Defense

BY SOFREP News Team

China’s new attack submarine with hypersonic missiles could challenge US missile defense in the Indo-Pacific, escalating tensions.

Image representation only: China's PLA Navy Type 093A submarine. (Image grabbed via X)

China is reportedly developing a new attack submarine designed to counter the United States’ missile defense systems deployed in the Indo-Pacific region.

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The new submarine, which may feature advanced hypersonic missiles, is expected to enhance China’s naval capabilities, potentially altering the strategic balance in the region.

This development, which has been reported by Naval & Merchant Ships—a publication with ties to China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), a key supplier to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy—raises new questions about China’s military strategy and its response to US defense deployments in the region.

Submarine’s Role and Capabilities

The reported purpose of this new Chinese attack submarine is to neutralize American missile defense systems, particularly those deployed in the Indo-Pacific, which are seen as a direct threat to Chinese military interests.

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The submarine is expected to carry hypersonic missiles, which are capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5, making them extremely difficult to intercept. These missiles would allow China to launch strikes from behind enemy lines, circumventing missile defense systems and potentially targeting critical US military assets.

According to the report, the new submarine would work in concert with other PLA Navy assets, potentially complicating the defense strategies of adversaries, particularly the United States.

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The combination of advanced stealth capabilities and the deployment of hypersonic missiles could force US and allied forces to spread their defenses thinly across a larger area, making them more vulnerable to attacks.

Chinese submarine
A satellite image of an alleged Chinese submarine currently under development. (Planet Labs)

This development comes amidst rising tensions between China and the US over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a vital waterway for global trade.

China’s objections to American defense systems, particularly in the Philippines, have been vocal. Recently, the US has deployed Typhon missiles to the Philippines, an important move to enhance its air defense capabilities in the region.

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The Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has become a focal point for these tensions. Manila has competing territorial claims with Beijing over the South China Sea, leading to maritime confrontations, including vessel collisions and use of water cannons.

While the US missile deployment is seen as a countermeasure to China’s growing military presence, Beijing has expressed strong opposition, warning that it will not tolerate actions that threaten its security interests.

China’s Strategic Response

The Chinese government has consistently opposed US military deployments in the Indo-Pacific, particularly the recent positioning of the Typhon missiles in the Philippines.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made it clear that China would not “sit idly by” in the face of what it perceives as a direct threat to its security.

He also urged the Philippines to reconsider its alignment with US defense strategies and focus on its own national interests, which Beijing claims are at risk due to foreign military involvement.

In a statement reflecting the growing diplomatic tension, President Marcos proposed a potential solution to ease the standoff.

He suggested that if China ceases its aggressive actions in the South China Sea, particularly harassment of Filipino fishermen and ramming of boats, the Philippines would be willing to reconsider its hosting of US missile systems, including the Typhon missiles.

PLA’s Denial of Submarine Development

While the reports about the new attack submarine have raised significant concern, the PLA has yet to officially confirm the existence of such a vessel under development.

Given China’s typical stance on sensitive military advancements, it is likely that any such confirmation would be made only after the submarine has become operational or as part of a broader military strategy announcement.

The development of a new Chinese attack submarine equipped with hypersonic missiles marks a significant shift in China’s military capabilities, particularly in the context of the ongoing military competition in the Indo-Pacific. The submarine is seen as a response to US defense deployments in the region, particularly the Typhon missile system in the Philippines, and underscores China’s commitment to safeguarding its strategic interests in the face of rising tensions with the US and its allies.

The ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, along with the diplomatic standoff between China and the Philippines, highlight the delicate and volatile nature of regional security.

As the situation continues to evolve, both military and diplomatic maneuvers will play a crucial role in determining the future balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

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