New satellite images on Google Maps show China’s growing submarine fleet near Taiwan: Report

The base, known as the First Submarine Base, is located about 18 km east of Qingdao, along the Yellow Sea. Its strategic position reportedly offers China swift access to key waters, including the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan.

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Australian naval analyst Alex Luck shared the images on X, saying they show five nuclear-powered submarines armed with conventional weapons.

These include two Type 091 submarines, two Type 093A submarines, and one unidentified vessel, the report added.

Luck said the unidentified submarine might be in the process of being scrapped, as maintenance work is going on at a nearby site.

Also visible in the images is China's only Type 092 ballistic missile submarine, which has since been replaced by the newer Type 094.

The publication said there are reports that China lost one of its newest nuclear-powered attack submarines, the Type 041, after it reportedly sank at a shipyard in May or June last year.