asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the implications of the reported new Chinese submarine base. [HL3676]

I am aware of recent articles about construction at Sanya Naval Base on Hainan Island. An enhancement of the facilities on Hainan Island would not be at odds with China's published 2006 national defence White Paper, which states that its navy “aims at gradual extension of the strategic depth for offshore defensive operations and enhancing its capabilities in integrated maritime operations and nuclear counterattacks”. We routinely monitor Chinese military developments and consistently encourage it to maintain transparency and a responsible approach to military modernisation.