Chinese nuclear submarine appears in Taiwan Strait, causes concern across region

After fishermen saw a PLA Navy nuclear-powered submarine surface unexpectedly early on Tuesday, Taiwan said it “closely monitored” the submarine’s journey through the narrow Taiwan Strait.

According to a report by South China Morning Post, the submarine was spotted at around five in the morning, roughly 46 kilometers (25 nautical miles) from Taiwan-controlled Quemoy Island, commonly known as Kinmen, and just west of the median line that divides the island and the mainland. About 200 kilometers (120 miles) separated the sighting from Taiwan’s west coast.

Subsequently, a second PLA cruiser was observed guiding the submarine in the direction of the mainland. The submarine did not submerge again, the reports quoted fishermen as saying.

“The military had a comprehensive understanding of the situation through relevant intelligence and reconnaissance methods,” Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo was quoted as saying by the media.

Based on pictures provided by the fishing crews, Taiwanese military specialists surmised that the submarine was a Type 094. According to them, the submarine might have surfaced for standard maintenance, a technical issue, modifications to the undersea terrain, or an intentional display of force.

Concerns were expressed in Taiwan over the unusual appearance of a nuclear-powered submarine, which is capable of extended underwater operations. It was unclear from the outset if this was really a normal passage or another example of Beijing threatening the self-governing island.

Legislators in Taiwan voiced concerns about the possibility that this was an attempt by the People’s Liberation Army to put more military pressure on the island nation, especially in light of the May war games that acted as a mock blockade.

Three days had passed since Taiwan’s new leader, William Lai Ching-te, took office and said that Taiwan and the mainland “are not subordinate to each other” before the PLA drills began. Beijing harshly denounced Lai, the leader of the Democratic Progressive Party, which supports independence, calling him a “obstinate separatist” whose leadership could spark a conflict.

Taiwan is considered to be a part of Beijing’s territory, which it may use force to reunite. Similar to the majority of nations, the US does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, but it does oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo and is nonetheless committed to arming Taipei.

Additionally, military specialists stated that surfacing in the area might lessen the likelihood that a vessel of that type would become entangled in fishing nets, as this was the busiest time of year for squid fishing.

In 2020 and 2021, Type 094 submarines were also seen coming to the surface in the Taiwan Strait.

The 7,000-kilometer-range JL-2 ballistic missiles carried by Jin-class submarines can reach the continental United States. The most recent submarine model, the Type 094A, went into service in April and is said to be equipped with the even more powerful JL-3 ballistic missiles, which have a more than 10,000-kilometer range.
The PLA submarine force is celebrating its 70th anniversary this Wednesday.