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.

A spokesperson for Ireland’s Green Party has criticized the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) for failing to adopt a realistic approach towards sustainability, suggesting that the aviation sector is prioritizing growth over climate concerns. David Healy, the Green Party’s spokesperson on Fingal County Council, expressed his views in response to the DAA’s recent comments regarding passenger number restrictions at Dublin Airport.

Healy emphasized that while other economic sectors are actively addressing climate issues, aviation appears to be intent on expanding rapidly without proper constraints. “Projections for passenger numbers are not consistent with a future of reduced aviation emissions,” Healy stated, highlighting the disconnect between growth aspirations and environmental responsibilities.

The DAA is currently contesting an annual cap of 32 million passengers at Dublin Airport, a limit introduced in 2007 to manage traffic congestion. Kenny Jacobs, CEO of the DAA, voiced strong opposition to the cap, arguing that it could lead to job losses in the Irish economy and tarnish the image of Irish aviation and tourism. “By capping Dublin, you’re creating a cloud of uncertainty,” Jacobs said during an event organized by the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC).

Jacobs acknowledged the DAA’s commitment to climate progress but insisted that economic growth is necessary to fund green technologies. He stressed that integrating expensive green innovations into aviation processes is reliant on the revenue generated from passengers.

However, Healy countered Jacobs’ assertions, arguing that the potential benefits of technological advancements in aviation are often exaggerated. “Nobody is really predicting that the technological options are going to allow us to keep growing aviation at the rate that we have been to date,” he said.

The DAA’s recent carbon reduction report indicates that upgrades made between 2022 and 2026 will allow Dublin Airport to handle up to 40 million passengers annually, a claim that is now being contested due to the current passenger cap. Healy clarified that while the Green Party is not opposed to adjusting the 32 million threshold, climate concerns must be prioritized in any future projections.

On the topic of sustainable flying, discussions around technological advancements focus on alternative fuels such as hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). However, concerns about the environmental impact of hydrogen production and the nascent stage of the SAF industry persist.

Dublin Airport is in ongoing discussions regarding the potential lifting of the passenger cap, although it is unlikely a resolution will be reached before next year. Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin noted that the cap might benefit regional airports but emphasized that it is primarily a planning issue rather than a political one. In response, Jacobs criticized the notion that capping Dublin would encourage airline movements to regional airports, calling it “simplistic” and “naive.”

Portugal’s minimum wage is set to rise to €870 per month in 2025, following an announcement by the country’s Minister of Labour. The minister confirmed this week that the increase is “absolutely a done deal,” ensuring a steady rise in the wages of the country’s lowest earners.

Currently, workers in Portugal receive a minimum wage of €820 per month. The government’s plan includes an annual increase of €50, with the goal of reaching a minimum monthly wage of €1,020 by 2028. These incremental raises are designed to improve the standard of living for workers over the next several years.

Despite this gradual increase, Portugal’s minimum wage remains modest compared to other European Union (EU) nations. According to Eurostat, Portugal ranks twelfth among the 22 EU member states that mandate a minimum wage. While this increase may ease financial pressures for workers in Portugal, it lags far behind the higher wages offered in wealthier EU countries.

At the top of the EU’s minimum wage ranking is Luxembourg, where workers earn €2,204 per month. Ireland follows with a minimum monthly wage of €1,840, and the Netherlands ranks third at €1,829. Other countries with higher minimum wages include Belgium at €1,774, Germany at €1,761, and France, where the minimum wage is €1,550 per month.

What is Considered a Good Salary Across Europe?

In a recent analysis, Euronews Business compared salaries across Europe to determine what is considered a “good” wage, which varies based on factors such as cost of living, experience, and industry.

In Germany, a gross annual salary between €64,000 and €70,000 is considered a good income, translating to approximately €3,300 to €3,600 net per month for a single person. Meanwhile, in France, a good salary for a comfortable lifestyle is estimated at around €3,200 per month for a single person, or €5,600 per month for a family of three. The average net monthly salary in France is €2,587.

In Spain, the average net salary in 2024 is expected to be €1,785 per month, with a good salary being around €2,700 per month for a single person. In Ireland, a gross monthly salary ranging from €4,100 to €6,000 is considered a comfortable wage, with the gross average salary for full-time workers sitting at €3,220 per month.

As Portugal’s minimum wage rises, the country’s wage gap with higher-earning EU members will continue to be a point of economic discussion.