China honours nuclear submarine unit and military equipment development department
- First-class merit citations go to a unit overseeing the South China Sea and one whose responsibilities include manned space flight and weapons development
- A brief announcement on state media did not provide the reason for the citations
Chinese President Xi Jinping has awarded first-class merit citations to two military units – but the reasons for the awards have not been made public.
Official information shows the equipment development department’s responsibilities include weapons development and procurement, equipment appraisal and the country’s manned space flight project.
The awards were announced in the run-up to the 96th anniversary of the PLA’s foundation on August 1.
“We don’t know what kind of job the Sanya-based troop was honoured for, but previous official information suggests that it might be some achievements related to the country’s nuclear submarine technology,” said Song Zhongping, a former PLA instructor.
“The recent commendations indicate Beijing’s emphasis on strategic deterrence, with its nuclear capability needing to be enhanced in both quality and quantity.”