China Gains on US in Submarine Power

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Mike Cherney, Austin Ramzy and Alistair MacDonald, China Gains on US in Submarine Power. Beijing's fleet gets quieter, more lethal; Pentagon leads in tech, lacks in output. Wall Street Journal, Sept 13, 2025, at page A 9.

Quote:

"The US is struggling to build new submarines [for itself as well as for Australia]. Facing production concerns, the Trump administration is reviewing the 2021 [in Biden administration] 'Aukus' defense pact, an agreement intended to help deter Chinese aggression. Under the pact, Australia is meant to but nuclear-powered submarines from the US and work with the UK to build a new sub incorporating the US technology.

" * * * China's first nuclear-powered submarine, which entered service in 1974, was a loud, slow vessel whose biggest threat was in exposing its crew to radiation.   

"New models in development include the Type 095, which analysts expect to have vertical launch tubes that can accommodate cruise missiles.

"Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Australia, even France and the UK, could be drawn in [the submarine fight in western Pacific or Indian Ocean-, their submarines taking on roles ranging from direct combat to defending shipping lanes.

Note:
(a) The text explains title "China Gains on US in Submarine Power": "submarine power" refers to China's submarine engines using either diesel or nuclear power have greatly improved: less noisy, for instance. But the text did notsay what kind of improvement, why or how -- in each. Perhaps it is top secret for America, too. But that is why there is no need to read it, except the quotation.
(b) en.wikipedia.org for "Type 091 submarine": NATO reporting name: Han class; attack submarine (ie, not shotting missiles); table: In commission: 1974-present)