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As China builds its artificial islands in th South China Sea, there is some speculation that it is building bastions for its expanding fleet of nuclear submarines. The Soviets used this tactic during the cold war by hiding their subs under the Arctic Ocean juice pack.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2015/06/22/270776/china-may-be-trying-to-hide-its.htmlp
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2015/06/22/270776/china-may-be-trying-to-hide-its.htmlp
China
Navy
South China Sea
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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China has been pushing the bounds of freedom of navigation in the global commons. It has tried to treat the 200 mile limit as territorial waters-12miles. It has tried to occupy piles of rocks, shoals, and islands to reinforce the claims. The suspicion is that there are vast oil and gas reserves in the shallow South China Sea. If the claim and control it, no one else can get it. This is just the latest series of moves to see who pushes back.
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They are likely refueling and resupply points along with bases to launch aircraft. They have a very limited number of aircraft carriers. Having these bases allows them to launch attacks faster and sustain them for longer. Modern submarines can stay out for extended periods of time and bases dedicated to them aren't that necessary, but I wouldn't be surprised if some of them are used for both purposes.
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