US media reports on Monday suggesting a diminishing era of total US submarine dominance over China have been dismissed by Chinese experts as part of a continued narrative driven by the “China threat” theory and a manifestation of US hegemonic mentality.
According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), China is closing the gap between the US and Chinese militaries by making strides in submarine technology and undersea detection capabilities. The report alleges that China launched a nuclear-powered attack submarine earlier this year, featuring a noise-reducing pump-jet propulsion system similar to the latest US submarines. Satellite images, cited by the WSJ, suggest an expansion of China’s nuclear-powered submarine manufacturing base, indicating plans for increased output.
China has purportedly established underwater sensor networks, comparable to the Cold War-era Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS), around the South China Sea and its coastal regions, enhancing its submarine detection capabilities. The WSJ also highlighted efforts by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to locate enemy submarines through the deployment of patrol aircraft, helicopters, and anti-submarine warfare exercises with warships.
A Chinese military expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that many of the developments mentioned in the US media report are speculative, as China has not publicly announced them. The expert stressed that China has the right to enhance its underwater national defense capabilities to safeguard its national security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development interests.
The report’s reference to “US submarine dominance” was criticized for reflecting a hegemonic mentality that assumes only the US can have absolute advantages over others. Additionally, the WSJ linked China’s submarine developments to the Taiwan issue, suggesting a complication for US submarines in the event of a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reunification-by-force operation.
Experts argue that such rhetoric perpetuates the “China threat” theory, aiming to demonize, isolate, and contain China. They contend that it provides a pretext for the US to expand its military budget and allows US arms firms to profit further. Emphasizing that the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China, experts reject any military interference by the US.