China launches its first nuclear-powered submarines with guided missiles

This is reported by Reuters. 

It is noted that previously only US and Russian ships had this capability.

The publication says that the Pentagon report, published on 20 October, is the first clear confirmation that the modified submarines seen in China's shipyards over the past 18 months are Type 093B guided missile submarines.

"In the short term, the Chinese navy will have the ability to conduct long-range precision strikes against land targets from its submarine and surface combatants using land-attack cruise missiles, notably enhancing (China's) power projection capability," the report says.

• On Sunday, 22 October, Chinese vessels blocked a Philippine boat in the South China Sea - the Philippines accuses China of violating its sovereignty.