China appoints submarine expert as its new top naval commander

Little else has been said publicly about the unit except that Hu avoided a serious accident during a test run of an unspecified “new type of submarine”, according to a 2008 report by Beijing-based China Youth Daily.

Hu’s previous positions include deputy chief of staff of the navy, deputy commander of the Northern Theatre Command and commander of the theatre’s navy. He was chief of naval staff for two years before Monday’s confirmation of the new role.

The appearance suggests that Dong, a long-serving navy general, is still in active service and likely to take on a new position as well.

The navy also plays an important diplomatic role, making more overseas port calls in recent years.

The PLA has three major fleets. The South Sea Fleet has significantly increased its presence in the South China Sea, where China’s sovereignty claims overlap with those of several other Southeast Asian countries.

The East Sea Fleet would play a major role in conflicts involving Taiwan or Japan. Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunited with mainland China – by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not see Taiwan as an independent state but many are opposed to a change of the status quo by force.

The North Sea Fleet takes part regularly in joint drills with Russian forces, including in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.

China’s military leadership has undergone several changes this year.