China’s latest nuclear-powered submarine has sunk, making waves across the global naval community.
This new type of attack submarine, part of the Zhou-class, was reportedly under development when it submerged earlier this year around May or June near a pier in Wuhan.
The incident was first discovered by a senior United States official who informed Reuters that Chinese officials have not commented publicly on the matter, likely hoping to avoid international embarrassment.
Despite China’s substantial naval forces, which include some of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines, this accident marks a significant setback in their naval development.
Satellite imagery revealed by Planet Labs shows heavy-duty cranes at the Wuchang shipyard around June, suggesting salvage operations were underway to recover the downed submarine.
This has been corroborated by the South China Morning Post, emphasizing the use of these cranes to lift the vessel from the riverbed.
Details about possible casualties remain scarce, and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has maintained silence about the incident.
The Wall Street Journal noted that although salvage efforts were successful, the vessel requires extensive repairs before it can rejoin naval operations.
Thomas Shugart, a former US submarine officer, and now an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, was among the first to point out the unusual crane activity at the Wuhan shipyard.
Although Shugart was initially unsure of the exact issue, it has now come to light that the incident involved a nuclear-powered submarine.
One crucial yet unresolved question is whether the submarine was carrying any nuclear fuel that could pose radiation risks.
Attempts to get a statement from the Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington have so far been unsuccessful, with officials denying knowledge of the incident.
China’s naval capability is substantial, with a recent report by Interesting Engineering highlighting a fleet that includes 60 submarines—48 of which are diesel-electric attack vessels, six ballistic missile submarines, and six nuclear-powered attack submarines.
The country plans to add five more submarines to its fleet by next year.
The loss of the Zhou-class submarine, the first of its class, equipped with an X-shaped stern for enhanced maneuverability, may slow down China’s pace in advancing its naval technology.
This incident could be a significant setback for China’s maritime ambitions, particularly in its aim to achieve naval supremacy.