Japan May Boost Submarine Fleet

摘要

Japan may increase the size of its submarine fleet to meet greater security demands in the Pacific, officials said, amid concerns that the Chinese Navy is growing stronger and more likely to tip the regional balance of power. Japan's Defense Ministry said a bigger submarine fleet is under consideration, with a firm proposal likely to come as early as December 201 1; the plan has not yet been formally tabled. According to Japanese media reports, the number of submarines would be increased from 16-22 over the next four years, a substantial rise that could generate concern from neighbouring China.