Satellite images reveal strategic Chinese navy movement at a facility with direct access to Asia’s disputed seas
New satellite images have revealed part of China’s naval power, exposing the presence of nuclear submarines at a previously unknown military base.
The capability of modern technology to capture classified information is impressive — especially in the military context, where secrecy is a top priority. Still, the latest images captured on China’s eastern coast show at least six active submarines docked at the First Submarine Base in Qingdao.
This strategic base offers direct access to the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the Sea of Japan, significantly expanding the submarines’ operational reach. Among the six submarines identified, five are armed, including two Type 091s, two Type 093As, and one unidentified model.
The discovery was made by Australian naval analyst Alex Luck, who identified the models from the images. One of the submarines is an old Type 092, already surpassed by the more modern Type 094 — also visible in the imagery.
Experts believe Qingdao plays a vital role in China’s naval strategy, as the country’s navy continues to expand. International activists, such as Robert Clark from the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, have expressed concern over the growing Chinese military presence.
According to Clark, the expansion of the Chinese navy poses a threat to international order and is an attempt to control critical maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific, reaching the third island chain and areas near Australia and the Indian Ocean.
He argues that countries like the UK should respond firmly, emphasizing the importance of showing resistance to China’s potential claim over these waters.
Currently, China is estimated to possess around 600 nuclear warheads and maintains a no-first-use nuclear policy. In the past 15 years, the country has built 12 nuclear-powered submarines — six of which belong to the powerful Jin class, capable of launching up to 12 ballistic missiles.
These submarines were already presented publicly during the 70th anniversary parade of the People’s Republic in 2019. The new model, Type 096, with greater range, is expected to enter service later this decade.
According to U.S. forecasts, the People’s Liberation Army Navy is expected to grow its submarine fleet from 60 to 65 by the end of 2025 and to 80 by 2035.
Source and images: LadBible / GoogleMaps. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
