Ghosts of the Deep: China's AJX-002 XLUUV and the Geopolitics of Undersea Power

China's unveiling of the AJX-002 eXtra Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) at its September military parade in Beijing is more than just a flashy demonstration of hardware - it's a stark message that China is serious about redefining the underwater battlespace. At roughly 18 - 20 metres long and with a slim 1 - 1.5-metre diameter, the AJX-002 isn't just big - it's a platform designed to make its presence felt across the Taiwan Strait and beyond. Unlike previous smaller unmanned subs, the AJX-002 boasts cruciform rudders and quiet pumpjet propulsion, allowing it to slice through waters stealthily, while minimising acoustic detection. Its four lifting lugs hint at modular deployment capabilities, likely crane-assisted pier-side launches, making it both versatile and logistically nimble