In a letter to the country’s submarine crew, President Xi Jinping has called on the force to continuously improve its ability to fulfil missions and tasks and become an elite force with overall competency. The state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday that President Xi emphasized the submarine force’s crucial role and great responsibility in performing glorious missions in the deep sea.
President Xi’s letter comes amid tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been expanding its military presence and territorial claims, causing concerns among neighboring countries and the international community. The Chinese submarine force has been identified as a key element of China’s naval strategy and modernization efforts, with the country reportedly seeking to develop advanced submarines and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
The submarine force has been involved in a number of high-profile operations, including the deployment of nuclear-powered submarines to the Indian Ocean, which was seen as a signal of China’s growing naval capabilities and ambitions. The force has also been active in the South China Sea, where it has conducted patrols and exercises, and in the Pacific Ocean, where it has participated in joint naval drills with Russia and other countries.
President Xi’s letter is seen as a call to action for the submarine force to maintain its operational readiness and enhance its combat capabilities. The Chinese military has been investing heavily in modernizing its armed forces, including its submarine fleet, and has reportedly made significant strides in developing advanced technologies, such as stealth and propulsion systems.
China’s submarine force has also been expanding its reach and presence, with reports suggesting that it has deployed submarines to the Arctic region and other strategic areas. The force’s ability to operate in the deep sea and project power far beyond China’s shores has been identified as a key element of China’s military strategy and regional ambitions.
President Xi’s letter is likely to be welcomed by the submarine force as a sign of recognition and support from China’s top leadership. It also reflects the country’s growing emphasis on military modernization and readiness, as well as its determination to assert its interests and influence in the region and beyond.