Satellite Sleuths Unveil China's Secret Underwater Arsenal: Six Nuclear Submarines Spotted in Hidden Base

Ever wondered just how deep the rabbit hole goes when it comes to military tech and espionage? While most of us are marveling at the latest tech gadgets or reality TV shows, there’s a whole different world down below our feet – or at sea level, that is. Satellite images have recently peeled back the veil on some rather sub-stantial secrets at a Chinese military base nestled in Qingdao. Here’s the kicker: what used to be under wraps is now out in the open, thanks to Alex Luck an, an Australian naval analyst who probably has a knack for spotting unusual patterns (I wonder what pattern his bed sheets look like). Anyway, it’s no surprise in today’s tech-crazed world where everything from your dog’s sleep schedule to military secrets can end up on the internet!

Why is this even news? Well, it’s not just how many nuclear subs they have – it turns out there’s a diverse collection of these underwater behemoths at this base. And if you thought hiding a massive naval base was tricky, think about what else might be tucked away out of sight. The implications? Well, it’s like playing strategy games with real countries instead of little plastic pieces!

Remember folks, this is no time to flip your fins – the presence of these subs could mean China’s looking to flex some serious maritime muscle in a region where the ‘big fish’ constantly circle. With the big picture painted, it’s now up to the global community to decipher the art of this stealth — is it enhancing their naval might or a not-so-subtle message to others?

More hilarious or maybe worrisome, China’s arsenal of nuke warheads is growing, yet they’ve got this ‘no-first-use’ policy which sounds like, “We’re building these but, eh, we’ll only use them if you do first.” A modern polite standoff with potential for Armageddon.

So, next time when you’re chuckling at some funny duck video on the internet, just remember, there might be submarines lurking under the sea like the world’s most dangerous practical joke. Huangdao base, internet sleuths, and a touch of Aussie detective work come together to create… a strategic masterpiece or a geopolitical sub-plot? Keep your eyes peedled for more updates, because you know, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

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New satellite images have revealed a number of nuclear submarines at a Chinese military base that was previously hidden.

The amount of information that technology helps us obtain in the 21st century is jaw-dropping at times, but when it comes to military intel, you’d think it would be kept more under wraps.

However, the latest satellite imagery over East China has revealed that at least six active submarines are located at the First Submarine Base in Qingdao.

This location gives the underwater naval vessels direct access to the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and the Sea of Japan.

Five of the six nuclear-powered submarines found at the base were armed, and included two Type 091 submarines, two Type 093A submarines, and one that was unidentified.

The submarines can be seen across the base (Google Maps)

The man responsible for spotting the images is Alex Luck, an Australian naval analyst who identified the subs.

Among the six, there is just one Chinese Type 092 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, which was replaced by the Type 094, was also seen in the image.

It is believed that the Qingdao base could be a huge part of the nation’s maritime strategy, which is continuing to grow.

Campaigners have recently raised concerns over China’s military buildup, with Robert Clark, the head of UK Public Affairs and Advocacy at the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation voicing his worries to MailOnline.

“This alarming development confirms two important facets of Chinese military strategy – the first is their intent to continually defy international law by increasing their rate of nuclear proliferation,” he explained.

One of the submarines holds a ballistic missile (Google Maps)

Clark added: “The second is their desire to not only break through as a truly ‘blue water’ navy, but to actively dominate the strategically important sea lines of communication all the way out to the third island chain, and as far as Australia and in the Indian Ocean.”

He explained that the nation’s base at Qingdao and the nuclear submarines stationed there will give Beijing a ‘strategic edge.’

The Brit said that it’s important to ‘send a clear signal to China’ with the UK’s deployment of the Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group in the area, as they must be aware they do ‘not control these waters and islands which it has no legitimate basis.’

At the moment, China has about 600 nuclear warheads in its arsenal, though it holds a ‘no-first-use’ nuclear weapons policy.

The base could be seen from the latest satellite images as seen on Google Maps (Google Maps)

It has built 12 nuclear-powered submarines in just 15 years, with six of these people Jin-class models.

They were displayed to the public as part of a parade to celebrate the formation of the People’s Republic’s 70th anniversary back in 2019.

The Jin-class models can carry up to 12 missiles, while experts believe a new incoming model, the 096, will be operational in the next decade or so.

They are believed to have a ballistic missile with a ‘longer range.’

It is estimated by the US that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China plans to grow its current fleet of 60 to 65 by the close of 2025, and 80 by 2035.