Actually the nukes are irrelevant and the old diesel electrics are not the problem. It's the new proton membrane exchange hydrogen fuel cell powered subs that pose the threat. It was one of these apparently that spooked the US carrier group. They can stay submerged for several weeks and are quieter than nuke boats though of course slower.

They are a German technology incorporated in the latest class of U-boats.
Last year U-32 established a new record for non-nuclear submarines with 18 days in submerged transit across the atlantic without snorkelling on its way to the US to take part in exercises with the US navy. America had requested the Germans send it because of the concern over the new threat these submarines pose, as evidenced by the Chinese escapade. The Chinese subs use these German engines.

So if the Chinese do field a large fleet of these subs it alters the situation significantly in the asian waters by providing a significant increase in danger to US carrier groups, the backbone on which US power rests with all the implications that has for our allies, treaties and the balance of power in the region.

If the US is no longer capable of keeping a lid on China's ambitions in the region I think that the idea that peace will be ensured by a surfeit of crappy chinese goods in walmart is facile to put it mildly.

And if the US forces are reduced to such a poor level an engagement in Asia opens up a whole can of worms elsewhere when the US is too weak to intervene in other theaters.

Making do with new financial realities sounds great in theory, until actual reality comes knocking on your door. But that seems to be something the US is loathe to learn.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S