Most Advanced Chinese Nuclear Submarine Sinks in Shipyard: Blow to Navy and Ambitions

beijing - A new Chinese naval submarine has sunk before it could leave the shipyard, causing concerns for the navy's capabilities and ambitions.

A new type of submarine known as the Zhou-class, characterized by its X-shaped stern for improved maneuverability, sank in May or June at the Wuchang shipyard near Wuhan, according to US military sources cited by the Wall Street Journal.

Chinese authorities reportedly tried to cover up the incident, but satellite images revealed the truth. It is unclear if there were casualties or if the submarine had nuclear fuel on board at the time of sinking, which experts believe is likely.

The incident raises questions about the competence and transparency of the Chinese military. The lack of radiation checks in the area is particularly troubling.

Experts also express concerns about training standards, equipment quality, internal accountability, and military oversight in China's defense industry, known for corruption issues.

China's military had six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines in 2022, with plans to increase these numbers to 65 by 2025 and 80 by 2035.

The Pentagon suggests that China's naval expansion aims to counter US support for Taiwan and establish maritime dominance in the South China Sea.

According to Brent Sadler from the Heritage Foundation, the sinking of the nuclear submarine will delay China's plans to expand its nuclear submarine fleet, a significant setback.