China expanding submarine fleet, says US report

China has prioritised the modernisation of its submarine fleet and continued the rapid expansion of its nuclear capabilities, according to a report released by the US Department of Defense (DoD) on Wednesday night.

The report, titled “Military and Security Developments involving the People’s Republic of China,” reveals that China is set to have 65 submarines by next year, as part of its broader military expansion, with projections reaching 80 by 2035. Additionally, China’s estimated stockpile of operational nuclear warheads has reached 600, and it is expected to surpass 1,000 by 2030, with much of the arsenal positioned at a ‘readiness’ level.

The DoD report suggests that the modernisation efforts are aimed at enabling China to inflict significantly greater damage in the event of a nuclear exchange. Beijing's approach to nuclear strategy remains focused on deterrence, particularly against a potential first strike, with the country maintaining a declaratory no-first-use (NFU) policy.

Currently, the Chinese Navy operates six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), and 48 diesel-powered or air-independent attack submarines (SSs).

Over the past 15 years, China has built 12 nuclear-powered submarines, aligning with President Xi Jinping's 2018 directive for stronger growth in the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine fleet.

The DoD further notes that China’s strategic focus in the ‘deep sea’ domain involves using both conventional and nuclear-armed submarines to achieve deterrence, while also enhancing its ability to strike enemy surface and shore targets, destroy adversary submarines, and disrupt maritime lines of communication.