China is conducting extensive undersea mapping across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans, raising concerns that it is preparing for advanced submarine operations against the United States and its allies.
China Submarine Mapping Near Guam, Taiwan And Malacca Strait
Chinese research vessels, including the Dong Fang Hong 3, have spent the past two years crisscrossing waters near Taiwan, Guam, the Malacca Strait and Hawaii, deploying hundreds of sensors and mapping the seafloor, reported Reuters on Monday.
While officials cite scientific purposes such as climate research and mud surveys, naval experts say the collected data is critical for submarine navigation, concealment and anti-submarine operations.
The operations are part of Beijing’s broader “civil-military fusion” strategy, integrating civilian scientific research with military objectives.
The network of sensors, buoys, and subsea arrays monitors water temperature, salinity, currents, and seabed terrain—information that can help track U.S. submarines and optimize Chinese undersea movements.
The effort spans strategically important regions such as the First Island Chain, the South China Sea and key Indian Ocean chokepoints, signaling Beijing’s ambition to break out from its coastal waters and secure vital maritime routes.
Expert Warnings On China’s Undersea Expansion
Peter Scott, former chief of Australia’s submarine force, said to Reuters that the vessels’ survey data “would be potentially invaluable in preparation of the battlespace.”
He added, “Any military submariner worth his salt will put a great deal of effort into understanding the environment he’s operating in.”
Jennifer Parker, a former Australian anti-submarine warfare officer, added, “If you look at the sheer extent of it, it’s very clear that they intend to have an expeditionary blue-water naval capability that also is built around submarine operations.”
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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