The Pentagon report, published Oct. 20, marks the first apparent confirmation that modified submarines seen in Chinese shipyards over the last 18 months are Type 093B guided missile submarines.
The confirmation comes amid an intensifying submarine arms race as China constructs a new generation of nuclear-armed boats as part of its evolving deterrent force.
Singapore-based security scholar Collin Koh said the SSGNs were an important new capability for the Chinese navy.
Naval War College in May noted that the PLA was close to breakthroughs in making its nuclear-powered submarines far quieter and more difficult for the U.S. and its allies to track.
"But we know the submarine force is a priority for Xi Jinping, and this is one more sign they are getting there."
Persons:
Jason Lee, Collin Koh, Koh, Xi Jinping, Greg Torode, Gerry Doyle
Organizations:
Liberation Army Navy, REUTERS, Pentagon, Reuters, U.S . Navy, Cruise, Libyan, PLA, Rajaratnam, of International Studies . Research, U.S . Naval, College, U.S, Thomson
Locations:
Qingdao, China, HONG KONG, U.S, Huludao, Soviet Union, Florida, Singapore, Asian