Chinese nuclear submarine sinks, reports media
Several US news outlets have reported that China's new Zhou-class nuclear submarine sank at a port near Wuhan several months ago. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
An incident involving the first vessel in the Zhou-class series of nuclear submarines reportedly occurred in Wuhan in late May or early June, according to US media sources.
On Thursday, several US media outlets reported, citing unnamed sources, that China’s latest nuclear submarine had sunk while docked several months ago. It appears that Beijing has opted not to publicize the incident amid ongoing efforts to expand its naval capabilities.
Sources mentioned in both the Wall Street Journal and CNN indicated that the event took place at a shipyard near Wuhan during the specified timeframe. Additionally, satellite images from June reportedly show cranes at the Wuchang district facility, suggesting a possible salvage operation may have been underway.
CNN characterized the submarine as an attack vessel, the first in its new class, which features a unique X-shaped stern designed for enhanced maneuverability. According to the Wall Street Journal, the submarine was in the process of being outfitted before its departure when it sank.
A senior defense official stated to CNN that it was uncertain if the submarine had nuclear fuel onboard at the time of the sinking or if it had been removed prior to the incident. There has been no indication of the cause of the sinking, nor whether Chinese authorities have conducted any water contamination tests.
US officials speaking to the Wall Street Journal suggested that the Chinese government may be trying to suppress information regarding the incident, as it has not been officially reported. One source remarked, “It’s not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the fact that their new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank pierside.” The source expressed concerns regarding China’s training standards and the accountability and oversight within its defense industry.
A representative from the Chinese embassy in the US neither confirmed nor denied the reports, stating, “We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide.”
According to a Pentagon report from 2021, China possesses the largest navy in the world regarding ship count, with approximately 355 vessels and submarines. In 2022, the US estimated that China had six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. Beijing is reportedly seeking to significantly enhance its naval forces amid heightened tensions with the US over Taiwan and conflicts with several regional powers in the South China Sea.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Thursday, several US media outlets reported, citing unnamed sources, that China’s latest nuclear submarine had sunk while docked several months ago. It appears that Beijing has opted not to publicize the incident amid ongoing efforts to expand its naval capabilities.
Sources mentioned in both the Wall Street Journal and CNN indicated that the event took place at a shipyard near Wuhan during the specified timeframe. Additionally, satellite images from June reportedly show cranes at the Wuchang district facility, suggesting a possible salvage operation may have been underway.
CNN characterized the submarine as an attack vessel, the first in its new class, which features a unique X-shaped stern designed for enhanced maneuverability. According to the Wall Street Journal, the submarine was in the process of being outfitted before its departure when it sank.
A senior defense official stated to CNN that it was uncertain if the submarine had nuclear fuel onboard at the time of the sinking or if it had been removed prior to the incident. There has been no indication of the cause of the sinking, nor whether Chinese authorities have conducted any water contamination tests.
US officials speaking to the Wall Street Journal suggested that the Chinese government may be trying to suppress information regarding the incident, as it has not been officially reported. One source remarked, “It’s not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the fact that their new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank pierside.” The source expressed concerns regarding China’s training standards and the accountability and oversight within its defense industry.
A representative from the Chinese embassy in the US neither confirmed nor denied the reports, stating, “We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide.”
According to a Pentagon report from 2021, China possesses the largest navy in the world regarding ship count, with approximately 355 vessels and submarines. In 2022, the US estimated that China had six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. Beijing is reportedly seeking to significantly enhance its naval forces amid heightened tensions with the US over Taiwan and conflicts with several regional powers in the South China Sea.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
