China’s Clandestine Submarine Caves Extend Xi’s Naval Reach

[Purveyor]

By David Tweed Oct 31, 2014 12:43 AM ET

Beneath the surface of the South China Sea off the tropical Chinese resort island of Hainan, an underwater tunnel guides submarines into a lair reminiscent of a James Bond spy movie.

From this pen the subs can venture in and out of the contested South China Sea hidden from the prying eyes of reconnaissance planes deployed by the U.S. Navy, which for the past half century has enjoyed almost unfettered access to the waters, say military watchers who cite satellite images of the area.

The fleet of diesel and nuclear-powered submarines reflects President Xi Jinping’s efforts to ensure the security of sea lanes vital for feeding the economic growth on which the nation’s stability rests. It’s also provoked discomfort among neighbors bruised by China’s approach to territorial disputes.

As countries from India to Australia and Vietnam spend tens of billions upgrading their underwater fleets, cluttering the sea as well as the sky with the reconnaissance craft that follow, the risk is that a clash that previously might have been limited to coast guard and fishing boats spills into military conflict.

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-30/xi-s-clandestine-submarine-caves-bolster-china-s-maritime-goal.html

[PeoViejo]

1. Nothing like a fixed-target

with a bottleneck exit. One Sea Mine to rule them all.