The People's Liberation Army Navy's Type 094 attack submarine. (Internet photo)

China's territorial disputes in the South China Sea will only grow more complex as regional countries continue to bolster their respective submarine fleets, reports the Beijing-based Sina Military Network.

Recent reports indicate that various countries in the South China Sea, including Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia, have all been investing in new submarines, notwithstanding that China's submarine fleet will still be bigger than all of those countries put together.

China, which has been developing submarines since the 1950s, currently owns more than 60 subs — third in the world in terms of number — including four classes of nuclear subs and seven classes of conventional subs.

Publicly, the People's Liberation Army Navy's South Sea Fleet claims to deploy 16 conventionally-powered submarines and three nuclear submarines — three Type 094 nuclear subs, eight Type 035 subs, four Type 039 subs and four Russian-made Kilo-class diesel-electric subs. The real number could be even higher, as recent leaked photos of a Chinese naval base revealed another attack sub — possibly a Type 093 sub — next to the three Type 094 subs.

According to the Sina Military report, China is the only country in the South China Sea to deploy a nuclear submarine. All Chinese nuclear subs are also equipped with the JL-2 intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile, which has a range of 8,000 meters and can be fitted with nuclear warheads. China's conventional subs also mostly carry missiles and torpedoes, giving the PLA a decided advantage over all other countries in the region, the report added.

Still, this has not deterred China's neighbors in the South China Sea to develop their respective submarine fleets. The reason, according to Sina Military, is because submarines are both "secretive" and "deadly" for their ability to use water as a cover and continually upgrade to the latest weapons. In addition, given that disputed islands in the South China Sea are "easy to defend and difficult to attack," subs can be effective even in small numbers, making them attractive as they are considered relatively cheap investments.

Therefore, despite dominating the submarine count, China is not free to simply do whatever it wants in the South China Sea, the article said. The PLA's anti-submarine capabilities are limited because they have traditionally focused on ensuring safety of passage for military vessels, which is why the PLA Navy is equipped with more than 10 anti-submarine helicopters. However, anti-submarine helicopters have a limited range, making it difficult for the PLA Navy to expand its range of control in a short amount of time.

With neighboring countries all bolstering their respective submarine fleets, China's ability to impose its will in ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea will only grow more difficult, Sina Military concluded.

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