A Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine reportedly sank in its dock earlier this year while still under construction, marking a significant setback for the Chinese military, according to U.S. defense officials. The incident is believed to have occurred between May and June, though Beijing has yet to confirm the reports.
Speaking to CBS News, U.S. officials, who requested anonymity, noted that satellite imagery from June revealed floating salvage cranes at the Wuhan dock where the submarine was previously seen. The current status of the vessel and whether it was carrying nuclear fuel at the time of the incident remains unclear.
The sinking raises concerns about China’s defense industry, which has been criticized for alleged corruption. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, when asked about the incident during a news conference in Beijing, stated that he was unfamiliar with the topic and did not provide any further information.
China boasts the largest navy in the world, with over 370 ships, and is in the process of developing a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines known as the Zhou-class, of which this vessel was the first. The incident has drawn attention from Taiwan, which has stated it is conducting its own investigations into the submarine’s fate and claims to have “a grasp of the situation through multiple intelligence and surveillance methods,” although no additional details were provided.
Thomas Shugart, a former U.S. Navy submariner and analyst at the Center for a New American Security, highlighted the potential implications of the incident. He described the sinking as a “setback” that could result in “pretty significant embarrassment” for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. However, he suggested that the safety risk was likely “pretty low.” Shugart further noted, “If this ship eventually does get repaired—and I’m sure it will—it’ll be a far more capable submarine than what they were building before at that shipyard.”
The sinking comes at a time when Beijing has been increasingly assertive in its territorial claims in the South China Sea, a vital route for international trade. China faces ongoing maritime disputes with several neighboring countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam, raising questions about the broader implications of this incident on regional security and military capabilities.
