China Buys 8 Russian Submarines

The story doesn't say how advanced these subs are, only that they're armed with missiles. According to this site, the Kilo-class subs are a relatively advanced diesel-powered model, and "effective for missions such as coastal defense, where high speed and long range are not crucial." Another such mission would be an attack on Taiwan; I don't know about a blockade. Teipei is hoping the US will step up and sell some subs in answer. Interestingly, Taiwan has long been trying to buy the same number of subs, eight.