It's likely their version of "deterrence." Just as with the nuclear proliferation they have engendered right in our faces...and we don't do squat about it...they think we literally are a paper tiger. Strong on paper. But in reality...they can shove us around at will.
That's what they think. And they have just announced a new round of shoving to commence.
"And they have just announced a new round of shoving to commence."
Maybe, but I think there's a WHOLE LOT we're not being told about this.
If they meant to be confrontational, it's going to backfire on them. We'll respond to their new capabilities with countermeasures. It would have been much better for them from a warfighting point of view to keep their little secret for a more opportune time.
Actually, my first very cynical thought is that the Navy wants its ASW budget enhanced.