Chinese nuclear submarines are making a lot of noise underwater? Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Lieutenant General pointed out that they sound like broken machines, "creaking and groaning".
Recently, former Rear Admiral (equivalent to a lieutenant general) Ito Toshiyuki of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force participated in a program. He even made a comparison, saying that against the anti-submarine network built by Japan and the U.S., these submarines are like playing a "whack-a-mole" game. Once war breaks out, the enemy just needs to listen for sounds and eliminate them one by one.
In sharp contrast, recently, several major American media outlets and defense publications, including "Military Observer", "Naval News", and "Newsweek", have released a series of reports about Chinese nuclear submarines. The core tone of these reports expresses deep anxiety and vigilance.
In January 2026, the "Military Observer" magazine clearly stated in its report that China's nuclear submarine fleet has exceeded Russia's in number, ranking second in the world. More importantly, its quietness has made "great progress". The report quoted an American expert as saying: "It is now extremely difficult to 'hear' the sounds of Chinese nuclear submarines." Some U.S. Navy officers have even privately complained that in certain areas of the Western Pacific, sonar screens are "uncomfortably quiet," meaning that Chinese submarines may be nearby but their presence is hard to detect.
The "Newsweek" report specifically mentioned the rapid development of the Chinese nuclear submarine force, stating that its quiet technology has made "disturbing progress." The article mentioned a revealing detail in the Pentagon's 2025 report: the noise level of China's new nuclear submarine has approached the background noise of the ocean.
So, who is right, Ito or the American media? Dao Ge thinks both sides are right. However, Ito was talking about the early 091-class attack nuclear submarines, which were limited by the industrial foundation and processing accuracy at the time, so their mechanical noise was indeed quite loud. At that time, gear processing and welding techniques did indeed cause submarines to sound like "mobile metal factories" underwater.
On the other hand, the American media was talking about the current 09X nuclear submarines, whose X-shaped rudder combined with pump jet propulsion system is called a "game-changer." Moreover, it is equipped with advanced towed array sonar deployment tubes, further enhancing its detection capabilities, allowing it not only to "hide well" but also to "hear far."
Dao Ge believes that the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force has long regarded Chinese submarines as the biggest potential threat. This is because acknowledging the strength of the opponent often means needing more budget, more advanced equipment, and more tense nerves. By portraying the opponent as "technologically backward and noisy," on one hand, it can comfort the panic of the domestic public, and on the other hand, it can give itself a false sense of confidence.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858528863637641/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.