Originally Posted by
Trim Stab
They would not be using sonar. It is a nuclear boat on patrol - they just navigate using onboard IMU and charts. A collision with an uncharted object is always a risk - look up USS San Fransisco incident.
Mentioned in the above link.
Why release it? well I suppose it does tell China in no uncertain terms they have nuclear subs sitting off the coast in case things get hot regarding Taiwan, so it serves two purposes, to be open and also to send a subtle message, which judging by the the quote below they got, that would be my guess, Plus you might need to explain an unscheduled arrival at Guam and people being taken to hospital.
In comments reported by Chinese state-run daily Global Times, a spokesman for the ministry of foreign affairs said China was "seriously concerned" about the incident, calling on the US to provide further details, including the purpose of the mission.
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