A Chinese nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine emerged in the Taiwan Strait on June 18 amidst communist China’s escalating aggression in the region.
The submarine was sighted west of the strait’s median line and was eventually escorted away by a Chinese military vessel heading towards China, as reported by the outlet. The fishermen noted that the submarine did not submerge before leaving their view.
Intention
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The Taiwan Strait is a narrow body of water that separates mainland China from Taiwan, with a width of 81 miles at its narrowest point and an average depth of less than 200 feet.
Mr. Wang suggested several reasons why the Chinese submarine transited the shallow waters of the strait. Firstly, the submarine might have been returning to its home port for routine maintenance. Secondly, it could have encountered a malfunction, requiring it to surface in the Taiwan Strait instead of navigating the rough waters off eastern Taiwan. Thirdly, a technical issue might have forced the submarine to emerge.
“Some speculate that the submarine’s actions may have been intended as a form of intimidation against Taiwan. This possibility cannot be ruled out,” he remarked.
Mr. Wang also indicated that the Chinese submarine could be a Jin-Class Type 094 vessel based on images captured by fishermen. A Jin-class submarine is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
“A JIN equipped with the JL-2 would need to operate in the mid-Pacific Ocean to pose a threat to targets in the western part of the Continental United States (as well as Hawaii and Alaska) or east of Hawaii to target locations on the East Coast of the United States,” the report highlighted.
New Arms Sales
The incident coincides with increased pressure from the Chinese regime on the current administration under Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party, who took office in May. Shortly after his inauguration, Beijing initiated “punishment” military exercises, encircling the island nation for two days.
“Taiwan will continue to bolster our self-defense capabilities and asymmetric defense capabilities, enhance our deterrence capabilities, steadfastly uphold our constitutional system of freedom and democracy, and collaborate with like-minded nations to uphold the rules-based international order,” Ms. Kuo declared.
The United States severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 in favor of communist China, yet remains the island’s primary arms provider.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Please rewrite the following text:
“The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Rewritten: “The fast brown fox leaps over the sleepy dog.”
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