US Nuclear Submarine Arrives in Guam to Counter North Korea and China... "First Time Since 2016"

"Show of Force with Missile Launches in Taiwan Strait and North Korea"
"Highlights US Focus on Indo-Pacific and China Containment"

On the 15th (local time), the USS Nevada, a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine, arrived at the Guam Naval Base. [Image source: US Navy]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The US nuclear-powered submarine USS Nevada has reportedly entered the Guam Naval Base for the first time since 2016. This move is interpreted as an effort to simultaneously check China and North Korea amid rising military tensions in the Taiwan Strait and North Korea's successive ballistic missile launches. Experts analyze that the US is sending a warning message by showcasing its nuclear capabilities to both countries.

On the 17th (local time), the US Navy announced in a statement that the USS Nevada, equipped with 20 Trident ballistic missiles and dozens of nuclear warheads, docked at the Guam Naval Base on the 15th. The US Navy emphasized, "This visit strengthens cooperation between the United States and regional allies, demonstrating America's capabilities, flexibility, readiness, and ongoing commitment to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

According to CNN, this is the first time since 2016 and the second time since the 1980s that a nuclear submarine force has entered the Guam base. CNN reported, "Movements of US Navy nuclear-powered submarines are generally kept highly secret, but as tensions escalate between the US and China over Taiwan's autonomy and North Korea intensifies missile test launches, this appears to be a show of force."

Thomas Shugart, a former US Navy submarine captain and current analyst at the Center for a New American Security, told CNN in an interview, "Whether intentional or not, this sends a message that about 100 nuclear warheads can be positioned at the doorsteps of China and North Korea." Alessio Patalano, a professor of war strategy at King's College London, UK, also explained, "Beyond the political signal, the presence of the USS Nevada in this region provides an important opportunity for others to learn strategies, especially through training and exercises."