Taiwan's Defense Force is monitoring the situation after images of a Chinese nuclear submarine surfaced near the median line in the waters off the island's coast.
Taiwanese media reported today that photos taken by fishermen at dawn showed a Type-094 strategic nuclear submarine of the Chinese Navy, carrying ballistic missiles, moving in a surfaced and illuminated state near the median line dividing the Taiwan Strait.
According to Liberty Times, a fisherman mentioned that the submarine unexpectedly surfaced in waters about 45 meters deep. A surface vessel of the Chinese navy quickly approached the Type-094, and both ships then moved towards the mainland.
The Chinese nuclear submarine did not dive during this incident, leading to speculation that it may have experienced technical difficulties.
Leadership of Taiwan's defense agency stated that its forces have captured and are monitoring the situation but did not disclose further details.
China's Ministry of National Defense has not commented on the matter.
The Taiwan Strait has complex terrain and active underwater volcanoes, posing challenges for submarines. Chinese submarines often pass through the Bashi and Miyako Straits when traveling between south and north or vice versa, rather than directly through the Taiwan Strait.
Therefore, the appearance of the Type-094 strategic nuclear submarine floating in the Taiwan Strait is an unusual move, especially in an area closely monitored by the US military.
According to the US Department of Defense, the Chinese Navy operates 6 Type-094 nuclear submarines equipped with JL-2 ballistic missiles with a range of approximately 8,000-9,000 km, or JL-3 missiles with a range exceeding 10,000 km, capable of targeting the continental United States from safe distances.
China regards Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and is prepared to use all means necessary to unify the island. Chinese leadership has repeatedly asserted its readiness to use force if necessary, despite maintaining a general policy of dialogue and peaceful unification.
