Facebook video of ‘new Chinese submarine’ gets experts’ tongues wagging

Video posted on Facebook group ‘Comments on the PLA’ appears to show an unknown type of Chinese submarine in a reservoir

US observer says design looks similar to one reportedly launched in 2018, while Chinese commentator says its smaller hull can increase stealth

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Video footage on social media appeared to show a Chinese submarine surfacing in a reservoir. Photo: Handout

Published: 5:00pm, 13 Feb 2022

A submarine shown in a video posted on social media could be a new, smaller Chinese class prioritising stealth and low cost, and used to counter drones, experts said.

Video footage posted on Facebook in a group called “Comments on the PLA” appeared to show an unknown type of Chinese submarine surfacing in a reservoir.

It appeared to be undergoing early-stage trials, because the footage, posted by a user called Liu Chengliang, showed two white stripes printed on the sail, as is commonly seen on new Chinese submarines during early tests.

The video’s source has yet to be established, but US submarine expert H.I. Sutton said the mystery sub appeared to be not a variant of the Type 039 in service but a smaller single-hull design measuring about 40 to 50 metres (130 to 165 feet).

The Type 039 Yuan-class conventional submarines are double-hulled and about 78 metres long.

Sutton said the footage had also been posted on Twitter, before being removed.