A setback for China's naval ambitions has been revealed as their newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank while under construction.
According to CBS News, a U.S. military official confirmed that satellite imagery showed China's first Zhou-class submarine sank alongside a pier during its construction phase. This incident represents a significant blow to Beijing's efforts to expand its naval capabilities, which are crucial for asserting its claims in the South China Sea.
Satellite images show cranes necessary to lift the submarine from the river bottom, indicating that it sunk between May and June. The submarine's current status remains unknown, and China has not publicly acknowledged the incident.
China's aggressive naval buildup has been a cause for concern among its neighbors and the United States. The country currently operates six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines.
The sinking of the Zhou-class submarine is particularly significant as it represents China's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine. This setback may temporarily slow down China's efforts to modernize its submarine fleet, which is a key component of its naval strategy.
Beijing's assertive stance in the South China Sea has led to territorial disputes with several neighboring countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The United States has responded by strengthening ties with its allies in the region and conducting freedom of navigation operations in disputed waters.
The revelation of the submarine's sinking comes at a time of increased tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and its allies have been closely monitoring China's military developments and working to counter its growing influence.
Recently, China conducted a rare launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into international waters in the Pacific Ocean, marking the first such test since 1980. This launch, coupled with the submarine incident, has raised concerns about China's military capabilities and intentions.
In response to China's actions, the United States, Britain, and Australia have been collaborating through the AUKUS partnership to enhance security in the Indo-Pacific. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently met with his counterparts in London to discuss progress on their shared goals of deterring China's increasingly assertive actions in the region.
While the sinking of a nuclear-powered submarine raises potential environmental and safety concerns, there have been no reports of radiation leaks in the area since the incident. However, satellite images show that booms were placed around the submerged vessel, likely to prevent any oil or other leaks.
When asked about the incident at a Beijing press conference, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated they were not familiar with the topic and did not provide any additional information. The U.S. official who confirmed the sinking noted that it was "not surprising" that China's navy would conceal such an incident.
Thomas Shugart, a former U.S. Navy submariner and an analyst at the Center for a New American Security, first noticed the incident in July, although it wasn't publicly known at the time that it involved the new Zhou-class vessel.
The sinking of China's newest nuclear attack submarine during construction represents a significant setback for the country's naval ambitions. This incident highlights the challenges and risks associated with developing advanced military technology, particularly in the maritime domain. As tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific region, the international community will likely keep a close watch on China's naval developments and their potential impact on regional security dynamics.
