In a shocking development, China’s latest nuclear-powered submarine has reportedly sunk at a port in Wuhan, and the Chinese Communist Party has seemingly tried to keep this incident under wraps for several months.
The submarine, part of the Zhou-class, sank during its construction phase.
U.S. officials were the first to uncover this blunder while analyzing satellite imagery of the Wuchang Shipyard.
Timeline of the Sinking
This newly constructed submarine, identifiable by its unique X-shaped stern, is believed to have gone under in late May or early June while undergoing final sea tests.
There are concerns about whether nuclear fuel was aboard at the time, with many experts suggesting that it likely was, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
Alarmingly, U.S. officials indicated that Beijing has yet to test the water for potential radiation levels, raising fears that military personnel or shipyard workers may have lost their lives in the incident.
Reactions from Military Experts
Retired Royal Navy Commander Ryan Ramsey shared his thoughts with MailOnline, describing the situation as a significant setback for China and a source of embarrassment.
However, he noted that the Chinese military has a knack for learning quickly and moving forward.
Cdr Ramsey also expressed concern about the rapid expansion of China’s military capabilities, stating, “The pace that China is building at is incredible, and the West isn’t keeping up with it.”
Salvage Operations Underway
Efforts are already underway to recover the sunken submarine.
Cranes have been mobilized for the salvage operation, but the task may require extensive repairs and could take months due to water damage to the electronics.
A senior U.S. defense official remarked to the Wall Street Journal that it’s not surprising the People’s Liberation Army Navy would try to hide the fact that their new submarine sank while pierside.
Implications for China’s Military
This incident raises significant concerns regarding the Chinese military’s training standards and equipment quality, as well as broader issues surrounding internal accountability within the defense sector, which has a history of corruption.
Brent Sadler, a former submarine officer now at the Heritage Foundation, described the sinking as “significant,” suggesting it could slow down China’s ambitions to expand its nuclear submarine fleet.
China already boasts a substantial number of nuclear-powered submarines and is noted for having the largest navy in the world, with a reported fleet of around 350 vessels.
Previous Incidents Highlighting Risks
This mishap comes less than a year after a tragic incident involving a Chinese nuclear submarine, where 55 sailors were presumed dead after an onboard disaster in the Yellow Sea.
A secret U.K. report indicated that the submarine became ensnared in a trap designed to catch British sub-surface vessels, resulting in a catastrophic failure of the oxygen systems that poisoned the crew.
The captain, Colonel Xue Yong-Peng, was among those who lost their lives, yet China has officially denied this incident occurred and reportedly did not seek international assistance following the tragedy.
Looking Ahead
The repercussions of the recent submarine sinking will likely unfold in the coming months.
As China navigates these challenges, the international community will be watching closely to see how this affects their military strategies and future naval operations.