27-9-2024 (WASHINGTON) A senior U.S. defence official has disclosed that China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year. The incident, which reportedly occurred between May and June, casts a shadow over China’s efforts to bolster its military prowess.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the U.S. official stated that the first-in-class submarine sank alongside a pier. The cause of the sinking remains unclear, as does the presence of nuclear fuel on board at the time of the incident. When approached for comment, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in Washington claimed to have no information regarding the matter.
This setback comes at a time when China boasts the world’s largest navy, with a fleet exceeding 370 ships. The nation has been actively pursuing the development of a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines, aiming to further strengthen its maritime capabilities.
The U.S. official suggested that the incident raises significant questions about China’s naval training standards, equipment quality, and internal accountability within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). “It’s not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal” the sinking, the official added, hinting at potential attempts to downplay the gravity of the situation.
Satellite imagery from Planet Labs, captured in June, appears to show cranes at the Wuchang shipyard, the presumed location of the submarine’s berth. This visual evidence lends credence to the reports of a major incident at the facility.
As of 2022, China’s submarine fleet comprised six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines, according to Pentagon assessments. Projections suggest this force could expand to 65 vessels by 2025 and 80 by 2035.
The submarine incident coincides with China’s recent announcement of a successful intercontinental ballistic missile launch into the Pacific Ocean, a move likely to heighten international concerns about the country’s nuclear capabilities.
Despite these tensions, diplomatic efforts continue. Earlier this month, the United States and China engaged in theater-level commander talks, marking a step towards stabilising military ties and preventing misunderstandings, particularly in hotspots like the South China Sea.
