Satellite images confirm that China’s latest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank at a dock while still under construction, according to a U.S. military official, as reported by CBS News.
The submarine, part of the Zhou-class series, was meant to be a key addition to China's expanding naval fleet. This incident is a setback for Beijing’s ambitions to develop the world’s largest navy, particularly as it continues to assert dominance over the South China Sea—a vital region for global trade. China's territorial claims in the South China Sea remain a source of tension, as the country faces disputes with neighboring nations such as Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has been bolstering its alliances in the region, conducting regular naval operations to uphold freedom of navigation, much to Beijing’s discontent.
The submarine is believed to have sunk between May and June, based on satellite images showing cranes around the dock, likely in preparation for salvage operations. A U.S.
official, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that it wasn’t surprising China’s navy would try to keep the incident under wraps. China has been rapidly expanding its naval capabilities, and the U.S.
considers this military buildup one of its primary long-term security challenges. At a recent press conference in Beijing, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said he was not familiar with the submarine incident and provided no further com.