According to analysts, these US allies face many challenges in building nuclear-powered submarines, which could take several decades to complete, but these developments could complicate Beijing’s calculation of naval deterrence in the region, especially during a conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
Nuclear-powered submarines – also known as SSNs, or Submersible Ship Nuclear – are powered by nuclear reactors, but not necessarily armed with nuclear weapons.
Compared with conventional diesel-electric submarines, which require frequent refuelling, nuclear reactors allow the submarine to operate under water at a higher speed for an extended period of time, essentially with unlimited range.
Because of their advantages in stealth, speed and endurance, nuclear subs have played a crucial role as strategic assets that project maritime deterrence in blue waters. They are often equipped with submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
President Xi Jinping has signalled his support for the growth of the country’s nuclear submarines by boarding them during two different inspections – one with the South Sea Fleet in 2013 and another in 2018 with the North Sea Fleet.
