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According to a Pentagon report, China is developing new conventionally armed missile submarines (SSGNs) that will enhance their power projection capability. These submarines will have the ability to conduct long-range precision strikes against land targets using land-attack cruise missiles. This development is seen as an important new capability for the Chinese navy and could complicate strategic calculations by China's rivals. The report suggests that three of these SSGNs could be operational by next year, as part of a wider expansion of China's submarine fleet. The Chinese defense ministry did not respond to questions from Reuters, but the development of this new capability is seen as a sign of China's growing military power and its evolving deterrent force.