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A Chinese sailor aboard a nuclear-armed submarine stated that his unit would fire missiles “without hesitation” upon receiving an order, according to a report by state media. The China Central Television (CCTV) also claimed this was the first public disclosure of a new Chinese submarine conducting a long-distance mission in an undisclosed maritime location.
Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email.
### Why It Matters
China possesses more than 370 naval vessels, making it the world’s largest combat fleet by hull count. According to the Federation of American Scientists, China has six Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, each armed with 12 nuclear ballistic missiles and homeported at Longpo Naval Base on Hainan Island in southern China. The Pentagon assesses that these submarines represent “China’s first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent.”
### What To Know
A Chinese submarine, unidentified in the report, was seen departing from a naval base at an undisclosed location, according to CCTV footage aired on Thursday. An Australia-based naval analyst, Alex Luck, told Newsweek that the footage likely depicts one of the six Type 094 boats based at Longpo Naval Base.
The Type 094 submarine can carry either JL-2 or JL-3 ballistic missiles, with ranges of 4,488 miles and 6,214 miles respectively. The JL-3 missile is capable of targeting portions of the U.S. mainland when launched from China’s littoral waters.
As part of President Xi Jinping’s accelerated development of nuclear forces, the Type 096 submarine, expected to enter service in the late 2020s or early 2030s, will likely be armed with follow-on longer-range missiles.
### Comparison
In comparison, the United States currently operates a fleet of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, each capable of carrying up to 20 Trident II D5LE nuclear missiles. The Federation of American Scientists estimates this missile has an estimated range of 7,456 miles.
### What People Are Saying
– **The Pentagon:** “The [People’s Republic of China]’s next-generation Type 096 submarines will reportedly be armed with follow-on longer-range [submarine-launched ballistic missiles].”
– **The Federation of American Scientists:** “Whenever they are in the South China Sea, China’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines typically appear to be accompanied by a protection detail, including surface warships and aircraft (and possibly attack submarines) capable of tracking adversarial submarines.”
### What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether the Chinese military will disclose details of other nuclear forces as it celebrates the 98th anniversary of its founding on Friday.
