from ZeroHedge:
Newly published satellite imagery shows the latest developments at a Chinese naval base, which serves as the hub for China’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Naval analyst Alex Luck noted that Google Earth recently updated satellite imagery of China’s Qingdao First Submarine Base on the eastern coast. The images reveal at least six submarines docked near a pier, with one additional submarine visible in a drydock, per Luck’s observations.
The analyst observed that five of the nuclear-powered submarines captured in the imagery were equipped with conventional armaments.
TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/
GE imagery update of Qingdao First Submarine Base, with several nuclear powered boats visible. Red Type 09I (likely training boats/MTS), green Type 09III(A), blue Type 09IV SSBN, yellow unidentified hull, 09IIIA or possibly 09IIIB, purple unidentified hull in dock. pic.twitter.com/CaWPOGCk9T
— Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) April 11, 2025
Measuring the boomer, it should actually be the sole Type 09II SSBN, still hanging around. pic.twitter.com/N05hiRRIrj
— Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) April 11, 2025
According to Newsweek:
The sole Chinese Type 092 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine also appeared in the image. The experimental Type 092 is now inoperable and is replaced by its more advanced successor, the Type 094, the Federation of American Scientists wrote in a report in March. With regard to the unidentified submarine in the drydock, Luck suggested that it could be a boat undergoing scrapping, given maintenance is regularly also performed at another site. -Newsweek
The latest research by Department of Defense says it believes that China will expand its submarine fleet from 60 to 65 by the end of 2025. China’s submarine fleet could reach 80 in the next ten years, according to the Pentagon.
As China continues to expand its military might, the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, is sounding the alarm of the U.S.’s ability to confront China. “The U.S. does not have the throughput, responsiveness, or agility needed to deter our adversaries,” Gen. Caine told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The U.S. military is bracing for possible confrontation with China over the Taiwan Strait. Adm. Sam Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, warned that China is actively preparing for major military actions targeting Taiwan, according to the Washington Times.
