
Originally Posted by
The_Child
UNless of course, the Chinese are using the much Rumored, VA-111 Shkval, better known to the west as the Squall, which uses super-cavitation technology made by the Russian. I doubt the russians gave this technology to the chinese, but rumor has it, that during the sinking of the Kursk, there were chinese officers inside, and they were suppose to be testing a new type of torpedo. Many believe that it was the debut of the Shkval.

Supercavitation torpedoes are deadly fast. Its design creates a cavity of air as it travels through water to reduce drag. I heard the US is also developing a similar weapon. But economically, conventional weapons are costly when compared to unconventional ones.
Unconventional weapons deliver more payload and don't require that much personnel to handle. But unfortunately, these type of weapons are banned by international law. Weapons like chemical, biological and nuclear weapons,etc.
DU(depleted uranium) is in use by US forces during the gulf war. And maybe they still continue using it to this point. It's effects go beyond penetrating stubborn enemy armor to exposing dangerous radiation.
All in all china is just trying to balance the status quo so they can have their own deterrent that they can use to their own terms.
Geographically and geopolitically, china also has a distinct advantage.