News Story: Merchant ships could be used as cover to move PLA subs into open sea

Chinese Type 094 Jin class Submarine (File Photo)

Chinese merchant vessels could be used as cover to allow PLA ballistic missile submarines to penetrate the "First Island Chain," extending from Alaska to the Philippines, during peace time, according to Chinese Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo, cited by state-run People's Daily.

Vincent R. Stewart, the director of the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said that Chinese nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines will begin routine patrol missions in open sea this year, during a hearing held by the House Committee on Armed Services held on Feb. 3.

Yin said that the PLA Navy could use two methods to penetrate through the "First Island Chain," which China believes was established by the United States to contain China.

Read the full story at Want China Times