The passage of the Chinese naval fleet through the Strait of Malacca has attracted attention
On the last day of 2023, a fleet of multiple types of ships of the Chinese Navy successfully crossed the strategically important Strait of Malacca, an action that immediately attracted global attention. The fleet includes an advanced Type 052D destroyer, a Type 926 integrated submarine support ship, and conventional submarines of the 039 series.
In this operation, the Yangcheng Lake integrated submarine support ship that attracted special attention from the outside world was the outside world. The support ship, which had been on a mission in the Indian Ocean and attracted the attention of countries such as India, has reappeared in sensitive waters. Normally, submarine support vessels do not act alone, and their presence often indicates submarine activity in nearby waters.
Although only support ships and frigates were observed during the crossing, subsequent military Xi showed that the Chinese Navy did deploy submarine units for ocean-going training. Such ocean-going drills are of great importance to enhancing the ability and adaptability of officers and men to operate in the oceans. At the same time, it has allowed the Chinese Navy to build a deeper understanding and familiarity with areas that could become operational or mission areas in the future, such as the Indian Ocean.
Analysts believe that the Chinese Navy's move is also closely related to the international geopolitical situation. The Indian Ocean is not only an important trade route, but also a place of heightened great-power competition. Demonstrating power through such operations, as well as testing and training capabilities for remote deployment, is strategic in safeguarding one's own business interests and security.
It is worth noting that even if the Yangcheng Lake has withdrawn to domestic waters, this does not mean that the Chinese Navy has stopped all submarine activities in the Indian Ocean. According to the trend of the Chinese Navy in recent years to continuously strengthen its blue-water capabilities, it is likely that they are making regular deployments in the region as planned, and preparing for possible future nuclear submarine activities to enhance their deterrence.
Overall, in the context of the global strategy of protecting security and interests, the Chinese Navy has demonstrated its growing maturity in ocean-going combat capabilities by crossing the Strait of Malacca and participating in ocean-going exercises, and underscores its posture of playing a more active role in the new era.