Chinese attack submarine, reportedly under construction in Wuhan, may be intended to counter the recent deployment of US-made Typhon missile systems in the Philippines. According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), which cites a semi-official Chinese military publication, the submarine’s development aligns with Beijing’s broader strategy to push back against expanding US military influence in the region.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has yet to confirm the existence of the submarine officially, but the Naval & Merchant Ships magazine—a publication associated with the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation—has released details on its design and possible strategic role. If the reports are accurate, the vessel represents a significant step in China’s ongoing efforts to modernize its naval forces and assert control over key maritime regions.
US Influence
The Naval & Merchant Ships article suggests that the submarine is designed to strengthen China’s deterrence capabilities within the “first island chain,” a key geopolitical region that stretches from Japan to the Philippines. This area has become increasingly militarized, with both China and the US boosting their military presence amid rising tensions.
The timing of the submarine’s construction is notable. In April 2024, the US and the Philippines conducted joint military exercises in which they deployed Typhon missile launchers on Luzon Island. The system is capable of firing long-range missiles that could strike deep into China, as well as reach Russia and North Korea.
China has repeatedly condemned the presence of US military assets near its borders, labeling the Typhon system a “strategic asset and an offensive weapon.” Beijing has called for the removal of the launchers, arguing that Washington is not merely defending its allies but rather seeking to maintain global dominance by deploying mid-range missile systems worldwide.
Underwater Warfare
According to the Naval & Merchant Ships report, the new submarine is expected to be equipped with advanced hypersonic missiles. This capability would allow it to conduct covert strikes beyond enemy defenses, making it a formidable asset in the PLA Navy’s arsenal. The magazine also hints at the possibility of the submarine being nuclear-capable, a move that would significantly enhance China’s ability to counter US military assets in the western Pacific.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the submarine is its reported vertical launch system (VLS). Traditionally, Chinese attack submarines have relied on torpedo tubes to launch missiles, but the introduction of VLS would significantly increase the vessel’s firepower and tactical flexibility. This system would allow it to fire both cruise and anti-ship ballistic missiles, enabling rapid engagement of enemy targets with reduced vulnerability.
Furthermore, the submarine is said to incorporate an X-shaped tail fin, a design feature that improves agility and maneuverability, particularly in deep-water environments. This is a departure from the more conventional cruciform tail designs seen in older Chinese submarines.
The vessel is also believed to utilize an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, a technology that reduces the need for surfacing to replenish oxygen. This system allows submarines to remain submerged for extended periods, making them more difficult to detect and track—a crucial advantage in modern naval warfare.
Zhou-Class Submarine
While the report does not reveal the official name of the submarine, it suggests that it was first identified in satellite imagery taken in mid-2024 at a shipyard in Wuhan, Hubei province. This has led to speculation that the vessel could belong to the Zhou-class (Type 041), a new generation of Chinese submarines that has been the subject of considerable military analysis.
The Type 041 class gained attention last year following an alleged incident in late May or early June 2024. Reports surfaced that a Zhou-class submarine sank while docked along the Yangtze River during its fitting-out phase at Wuchang Shipbuilding. Although details remain murky, US officials assessed that the Type 041 features a hybrid propulsion system combining both nuclear and conventional diesel-electric power.
This configuration, if confirmed, would give the submarine extended operational endurance, allowing it to conduct long-range missions while maintaining the stealth advantages of a conventionally powered submarine. By integrating advanced nuclear and conventional technologies, China would be able to field a submarine that can operate more flexibly in contested waters.
Typhon Missile Threat
The timing and location of the submarine’s construction suggest that China is actively preparing for potential conflicts in the western Pacific. The presence of US-made Typhon missile launchers in northern Luzon, Philippines, appears to be a major concern for Beijing, and the new submarine could be a direct response to this deployment.
The Typhon system, part of Washington’s “Pacific Deterrence Initiative,” is designed to restrict adversary naval operations in the region. By deploying ground-launched missiles capable of hitting targets within China’s borders, the US has created a strategic challenge for Beijing.
In response, the new Chinese submarine could play a crucial role in an “asymmetrical deterrence” strategy. Unlike traditional military buildups that rely on sheer numbers, asymmetric strategies focus on deploying unpredictable and difficult-to-counter weapons systems. A highly advanced, stealthy submarine operating in the South China Sea and beyond would force US and allied forces to adjust their naval strategies significantly.
South China Sea: Stealth Warfare
The South China Sea, a region where China has been steadily expanding its military presence through artificial islands and naval patrols, is expected to be a key area of operations for the new submarine. The geography of the region presents both opportunities and challenges for submarine warfare.
With an average depth of over 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and a complex underwater terrain that includes deep trenches, reefs, sandbars, and islands, the area is well-suited for stealth operations. Submarines can use these geographical features to evade enemy sonar detection and conduct surprise attacks if necessary.
At the same time, the dense presence of US, Japanese, and allied naval forces in the region means that any new Chinese submarine would need to be equipped with cutting-edge stealth technology to avoid detection. If the vessel’s reported capabilities—including VLS, hypersonic missiles, and advanced propulsion systems—are accurate, it could shift the balance of power in the South China Sea.
US-China Naval Rivalry Intensifies
The development of this new submarine underscores the ongoing strategic rivalry between China and the United States. While Washington insists that its military presence in the Pacific is meant to protect allies and ensure regional stability, Beijing sees it as an attempt to contain China’s rise.
The presence of US military installations in Guam, Japan, and the Philippines, coupled with the increased number of freedom-of-navigation operations (FONOPs) conducted by US warships in the South China Sea, has further heightened tensions.
For China, the construction of an advanced attack submarine signals its determination to counter US influence in the western Pacific. By developing a vessel capable of striking enemy assets at long range, Beijing is sending a clear message that it is prepared to defend its maritime claims and deter any perceived threats.
As the US continues to expand its military footprint in the Indo-Pacific, including considering additional Typhon missile deployments in Japan, Australia, and other locations, China will likely accelerate its own naval modernization efforts. The unveiling of this new submarine could be just the beginning of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing China’s underwater warfare capabilities.
The construction of China’s new attack submarine in Wuhan marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to challenge US military dominance in the region. With advanced stealth features, hypersonic missiles, and extended operational endurance, the vessel could play a crucial role in Beijing’s strategy to counter the deployment of US Typhon missiles in the Philippines.
While the exact specifications and operational timeline of the submarine remain unknown, its emergence highlights the escalating naval arms race between the world’s two largest military powers. As tensions in the South China Sea and beyond continue to rise, the deployment of this new undersea asset could have far-reaching implications for regional security and global stability.
