The sub was spotted allegedly cruising above the surface of the waters separating Taiwan from mainland China, where many analysts say conflict is more likely to start from an accidental collision than a planned event -- and the more warships in a confined space, the more chances there are for accidents to happen.
The reason for its alleged presence in the strait is unknown, but Sutton said it was likely the Chinese sub -- also known as an SSBN or boomer -- was on a routine mission, possibly heading back to a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy port on the Bohai Sea for repairs or maintenance. But other experts who viewed the satellite image said the alleged presence of a boomer on the surface was perplexing.
