Posted on 07/18/2011 8:35:07 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Why China Wants South China Sea
East Asia | Security | China
July 18, 2011By Tetsuo Kotani
Beijing is interested in more than just energy and fishery resources. The area is also integral to its nuclear submarine strategy.
In an effort to underscore its importance to Asia, geostrategist Nicholas Spykman once described it as the ‘Asiatic Mediterranean.’ More recently, it has been dubbed the ‘Chinese Caribbean.’ And, just as Rome and the United States have sought control over the Mediterranean and Caribbean, China now seeks dominance over the South China Sea.
It’s clear that China’s claims and recent assertiveness have increased tensions in this key body of water. Yet while most attention has focused on Beijing’s appetite for fishery and energy resources, from a submariner’s perspective, the semi-closed sea is integral to China’s nuclear strategy. And without understanding the nuclear dimension of the South China Sea disputes, China’s maritime expansion makes little sense.
Possessing a credible sea-based nuclear deterrent is a priority for China's military strategy. China’s single Type 092, or Xia-class, nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, equipped with short-range JL-1 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), has never conducted a deterrent patrol from the Bohai Sea since its introduction in the 1980s. However, China is on the verge of acquiring credible second-strike capabilities with the anticipated introduction of JL-2 SLBMs (with an estimated range of 8,000 kilometres) coupled with DF-31 and DF-31A road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). In addition, China plans to introduce up to five Type 094, or Jin-class, SSBNs outfitted with the JL-2 missiles, while constructing an underwater submarine base on Hainan Island in the South China Sea.
It’s clear, then, that China is making every effort to keep the South China Sea off limits, just as the Soviet Union did in the Sea of Okhotsk d
(Excerpt) Read more at the-diplomat.com ...
Oil. Ever hear of off-shore drilling?
colonialism.
but it’s ok if commies do it.
Hainan Island:
That’s where the US EP-3 was forced down after a mid-air with a Chinese fighter about 10 years ago. The USN was interested in the island cuz it’s been hollowed-out a bit for a huge and well-protected offshore submarine base.
Some say the Chinese have plans for 20 submarines to be based there inside that island.
The Chinese want oil, they want their sea-lanes protected, and they want the USN out of the West Pacific.
I commented before reading the full article— DAYUM that was a great article..!
Excellent post —super important material...!
Why can’t mainstream publications get a clue and talk more about this super important stuff....?
[ colonialism.
but it’s ok if commies do it. ]
Mark my words in the next 50 years the Chinese colonialism of Africa is going to make the European colonialism of Africa 200 years ago look like a humanitarian relief mission.
All China has to do is implement a policy of Chinese working in colonies be exempt from the one child policy and in less than 2-3 generations Africa will be fully colonized.
Good luck with Hainan Island chuckleheads.
You are correct, but it aint gonna happen.
Bump for a very interesting article.
China "O"? ♪Whoaa "O" ♪ China "O"
Pei-Ping.
In addition, China plans to introduce up to five Type 094, or Jin-class, SSBNs outfitted with the JL-2 missiles,
Plans? they have already launched 3 or more of the new 094s and are building more.
This article is somewhat behind the curve, IMHO.
That sure is a a pretty Target
I don’t think we can stop them.
“Why can’t mainstream publications get a clue and talk more about this super important stuff....?”
Well, then just who is going to track down the whereabouts of Casey Anthony??????
The following is my original post -
We dont have the cajones.
Yep, oil and natural gas.
And old fashion in your face, “We can do whatever we want.”
Are these photos of the Type 094 submarine? Because I am under the impression that the actual number of 094 in service has never been revealed, nor is there any authentic pictures of it posted online. Am I being mistaken here?
You underestimate US
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.