I know Japans AIPs sub arent indendent, since they import it from Sweden#(the article itself admitted that). But it doesnt really matter whether they produced it themselves or depend on others, as far as its advanced/capable, then its all good. The end justifies the means in this case.
Morever, i did mentioned that even though its true that China has the largest sub fleet in Asia, but the U.S and Japan subs are more advanced than anything China has at the moment. So my point still stands(and your didnt disprove that either), whether Japanese AIP subs are more expensive than China or their sterling engines are imported doesnt matter and its another topic altogether anyway. I just made a point that Japans subs are more advanced/quiter/capable than Chinas, though China might have the upper hand in a long prolonged conflict due to its massive sub fleet and insutrial base. But that again is another topic and remains to be seen. Banzai.
Ha ha ha ha. I raise my pub glass to that, Matey !