A participant [questions reduced Western submarine numbers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HherNQdiw9E&t=30605) in a discussion of possible Chinese pressure on maritime trade. Surface ships provide visible presence, but the argument for additional submarines centres on the ability to threaten an opposing undersea force. Nuclear deterrent boats and attack submarines serve different purposes in this comparison. The wider issue is dependence on another state's protection of trade routes, which helps explain why a major trading power develops its own naval capabilities. This is a strategic argument within the conversation, without a specified force requirement or a numerical comparison of fleets.
Chapter · 8:30:05-8:32:09
Why Western submarine numbers matter for deterrence
A discussion of reduced Western submarine fleets separates visible presence, nuclear deterrence, and the ability to counter hostile submarines.