The Secret Spy Ship Supporting China’s Submarine Warfare

China has built the world’s largest fleet of dual-use spy ships to aid submarine warfare, according to a new report.

In a recent report, the Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS) underscored China’s extensive efforts to transform its naval capabilities. According to the report, China is amassing a powerful “blue water” navy capable of operating globally, far beyond its traditional regional focus, by using research vessels to gather data from the deep seas.

This strategic expansion presents a formidable challenge to both regional powers like India and to global stakeholders such as the U.S. and its allies. With a track record of flouting international norms to suit its interests, Beijing’s advancements in maritime capabilities and the integration of civilian and military maritime operations pose significant strategic implications for the U.S. and its allies.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is increasing its presence in international waters, such as the Indian Ocean, while Beijing intensifies its maritime research, ostensibly for civilian purposes but with clear military connections.

The Washington-based CISS has scrutinized maritime activity data from the Windward Intelligence Platform and uncovered that Chinese survey vessels have logged hundreds of thousands of hours of global operations over the past four years, with a significant emphasis on the Indian Ocean.

This region is rapidly becoming a hotbed for Chinese oceanic surveys tied to the PLA and Beijing’s military-civil fusion program. This initiative strategically merges civilian technology and research efforts with military advancement.

Out of 64 active Chinese vessels studied, over 80 percent are suspected of activities or have organizational ties with China’s military, the report says. All 13 vessels scrutinized by the CISS have shown questionable behavior at sea and in port, indicating a dual-use strategy that blends civilian research with military objectives.

While much of China’s surveying activity remains concentrated in the South China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean, its increasing focus on the Indian Ocean signals an emerging competition with India, the report says.

Some of the Chinese survey ships were initially in service with the PLA before transitioning to civilian roles, retaining ties to the military. For instance, vessels from the Xiang Yang Hong class were built for the navy and later transferred to civilian authorities connected to the PLA.

The report details how the PLA requires in-depth knowledge of complex undersea conditions for submarine navigation. The PLA has emphasized the need for advanced deep-sea technologies, an area where it has historically lagged behind the U.S. military. Data from China’s civilian research fleet, equipped with sophisticated measuring tools, is helping to bridge gaps in the PLA Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities, the report says.

China’s research and survey vessel, the Yuan Wang 5, arrived at Hambantota port on August 16, 2022. – A Chinese research vessel entered Sri Lanka’s Chinese-run southern port of Hambantota on August 16 despite concerns from India and the US about its activities. A new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies says China has developed the world’s largest fleet of dual-use research vessels to support its submarine warfare. ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty

Chinese officials have openly acknowledged the dual functions of these ships. During the commissioning of the Shiyan 06, it was announced that the vessel would bolster scientific and technological support for national security. The PLA Navy Submarine Academy has also been transparent about its collaborations with maritime research institutions, the report added.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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