Satellite imagery has unveiled a significant development in China's naval capabilities, revealing multiple nuclear submarines stationed at a strategic base near Qingdao.

According to The US Sun, recently captured Google Maps images show six nuclear submarines at China's First Submarine Base, located 18 kilometers east of Qingdao in the Yellow Sea, raising concerns about potential military action against Taiwan.

The satellite images, shared by Australian independent naval analyst Alex Luck on X, identified five conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, including two Type 091 submarines, two Type 093A vessels, and one unidentified submarine. An additional Type 092 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, which has been replaced by the Type 094 model, was also visible at the facility.

China's expanding naval capabilities worry Western allies

The Pentagon's China military power report emphasizes the People's Liberation Army Navy's prioritization of submarine force modernization. Despite modest growth in force structure, the focus remains on integrating new technologies and expanding shipyard capabilities.

Chinese naval officer Captain Wen Xuexing revealed last June that the country's submarine development strategy encompasses both nuclear-powered and conventional vessels, with a primary emphasis on nuclear capabilities. This strategic focus demonstrates China's commitment to challenging U.S. naval dominance in the Western Pacific region.

The United States has responded by deploying five conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines to Guam, establishing a strong military presence in the Western Pacific waters.

Taiwan prepares for potential Chinese invasion

Taiwan has initiated comprehensive 14-day war games to simulate various conflict scenarios with China. These exercises utilize the U.S.-built Joint Theater Level Simulation platform to prepare for potential aggressive actions.

The military drills incorporate new weapons systems, including M1A2T tanks, HIMARS rocket systems, and land-based anti-ship missile systems. Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed that this year's exercises specifically simulate a hypothetical Chinese invasion in 2027.

China has demonstrated its own military readiness through large-scale exercises near Taiwan, including the deployment of specialized invasion barges capable of forming floating bridges for ground vehicles.

China's advanced invasion preparations raise alarms

Satellite imagery has revealed China's construction of at least five massive troop-carrying barges, designed to transport tanks and an estimated 1.2 million troops necessary for a potential Taiwan invasion. These vessels mirror the concept of the Mulberry Harbours used during the D-Day landings in 1944.

Beijing is simultaneously developing its largest aircraft carrier, featuring four runways for simultaneous jet launches. This naval expansion coincides with increased diplomatic tensions between China and Taiwan.

President Xi Jinping's recent statements have emphasized the unified nature of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, while maintaining that Taiwan's annexation remains a "historical inevitability."

Rising tensions shape regional dynamics

The discovery of China's submarine fleet through satellite imagery represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan. The strategic positioning of these nuclear-capable vessels in the Yellow Sea provides China with rapid access to both the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan.

These developments occur against the backdrop of increasing military preparations on both sides. While Taiwan strengthens its defensive capabilities through regular military exercises and weapons acquisitions, China continues to expand its naval power and invasion capabilities through advanced military technology and strategic deployments.