Taiwan has reported “closely monitoring” the journey of a Chinese PLA Navy nuclear-powered submarine after it surfaced unexpectedly early on Tuesday in the narrow Taiwan Strait.
Fishermen spotted the submarine around five in the morning, approximately 46 kilometers (25 nautical miles) from Taiwan-controlled Quemoy Island, also known as Kinmen, and just west of the median line separating the island and the mainland. The sighting was roughly 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Taiwan’s west coast.
Reports indicate a second PLA cruiser was observed guiding the submarine towards the mainland. The submarine, according to fishermen, did not submerge again.
“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 fishing crews, Taiwanese military specialists have surmised that the submarine was a Type 094. They speculate the surfacing might be attributed to standard maintenance, a technical issue, modifications to the undersea terrain, or an intentional display of force.
Concerns have been expressed in Taiwan over the unusual appearance of a nuclear-powered submarine, which possesses the capability for extended underwater operations. The initial uncertainty regarding whether this was a routine passage or another instance of Beijing threatening the self-governing island remains.
Taiwanese legislators have voiced concerns that this surfacing might be an attempt by the People’s Liberation Army to exert more military pressure on the island nation, particularly in light of the May war games that simulated a blockade.
This incident occurred just three days after Taiwan’s new leader, William Lai Ching-te, took office and asserted that Taiwan and the mainland “are not subordinate to each other” before the PLA drills began. Beijing responded harshly to Lai, the leader of the Democratic Progressive Party, which advocates for independence, labeling him a “obstinate separatist” whose leadership could trigger a conflict.
Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and reserves the right to use force for reunification. While the United States, like most nations, does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, it opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo and remains committed to arming Taipei.
Military specialists have also suggested that surfacing in the area might reduce the risk of the vessel becoming entangled in fishing nets, particularly during the peak season for squid fishing.
In 2020 and 2021, Type 094 submarines were also observed surfacing in the Taiwan Strait. These Jin-class submarines are capable of carrying JL-2 ballistic missiles with a range of 7,000 kilometers, reaching the continental United States. The latest model, the Type 094A, entered service in April and is reportedly equipped with even more powerful JL-3 ballistic missiles boasting a range exceeding 10,000 kilometers.
The PLA submarine force is celebrating its 70th anniversary this Wednesday.
