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| Type 094 Jin class SSBN (File Photo) |
WASHINGTON (PTI): China will likely have its first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent later this year, part of the rapid modernisation of its military capabilities, a top US officer has said.
"China continues the production of ballistic missile submarines (SSBN). The platform will carry a new missile with an estimated range of more than 4,000 nm (7,500 km). This will give the China its first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent, probably before the end of 2014," Admiral Samuel J Locklear, Commander of the US Pacific Command, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Tuesday.
Acknowledging that China has gained "greater influence" in the world, Locklear said the Chinese military modernisation effort is increasingly focused on developing the capabilities to deny US access to the Western Pacific during a time of crisis or conflict and to provide the means by which China can bolster its broad maritime claims in the region.
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