Nuclear submarine fleet comes of age (3)

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With China's advancements in technological and manufacturing capabilities together with the increasing investment in arsenal modernization, the nuclear submarine fleet has made huge strides in its long-distance patrol trainings, senior officers said.

"I think the claims of some on the Internet that we are backward and can't defeat other nations' navies are biased," Gao said. "Although our boats are not as advanced as our rivals', we have the ‘spirit of victory', and our tactics are good enough to enable us to compete with them."

Moreover, the training and drills are designed for and simulate actual combat, leading to submariners being well prepared for any situation, he said.

"In addition, we have gained a lot of experience through confrontation with our rivals, and such occasions testify to our prowess and confidence."

Gao's remarks were endorsed by retired commanders.

Qu Weiping, former political commissar at the base, said: "A nuclear submarine is a symbol of a powerful nation and a guardian of national security. We are the only maritime strategic force in Asia and an important part of the navy's emergency-response combat forces."

Qu said he has received several foreign military delegations that have visited Chinese nuclear submarines, and they all spoke highly of the crewmembers' performance. Although he is unable to compare the skills and abilities of foreign submarines' crewmembers with his own submariners, "I am convinced our men are able to rival any of their foreign counterparts".

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