US naval chief says subs can curb China

THE commander of the US nuclear submarine fleet said he believes China’s navy is a growing threat and it is vital that American and Australian submarines continue to operate together as “the deadliest force in the world”.

Vice-Admiral Jay Donnelly said in Canberra that the biggest security concern in the region was China’s increased military spending and arms build-up.

Vice-Admiral Donnelly told a conference of the Submarine Institute of Australia that China was building up to prevent any third party intervening in a conflict with Taiwan.

He said the US was moving 60% of its submarine fleet to the Pacific to respond.

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Several weeks ago Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Australia must develop its armed forces to counter a regional arms build-up — although he did not name China as a threat.

• A d v e r t i s e m e n t

Vice-Admiral Donnelly said Australia’s Collins Class submarines could play a crucial role in any future conflict because they were able to operate at very long range without air support in dangerous areas.

He said Chinese defence spending rose by 19% in 2007 and that trend was continuing.

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