- China’s new nuclear submarine sank at Wuhan port
- Incident raises questions about military standards and safety
- U.S. officials and experts point to broader concerns over China’s rapid military expansion
China’s latest nuclear-powered submarine has sunk at the Wuhan port, with the Communist Party attempting to cover up the incident for several months. The Zhou-class submarine, distinguished by its X-shaped stern, reportedly sank while undergoing final tests in late May or early June. The incident was first detected by U.S. officials analyzing satellite images of the Wuchang Shipyard.
It is unclear if nuclear fuel was onboard during the mishap, though experts believe it is likely. U.S. officials have noted that China has not yet tested the water for radiation and raised concerns about possible fatalities among military personnel involved in the submarine’s construction.
Commander Ryan Ramsey, a retired Royal Navy nuclear submarine captain, called the incident embarrassing for China but emphasized that the Chinese military has a history of learning quickly from setbacks. Ramsey also warned of China’s rapid military expansion, which he believes poses a growing threat to the West.
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Efforts to salvage the submarine are ongoing, with cranes deployed at the scene. However, the vessel is expected to require extensive repairs, with its electronic systems likely flooded with water. The incident has raised broader questions about China’s military standards, equipment quality, and internal accountability.
Brent Sadler, a former submarine officer at Washington’s Heritage Foundation, described the submarine’s sinking as a significant setback, likely to slow China’s efforts to expand its nuclear submarine fleet. China currently boasts the world’s largest navy, with more than 130 major surface combatants and 350 ships, including numerous submarines, according to a 2020 Pentagon report.
The submarine sinking follows another fatal incident in which 55 Chinese sailors were believed to have died after their nuclear submarine encountered a trap in the Yellow Sea, which was reportedly intended to ensnare British submarines. Despite intelligence reports and a secret UK investigation into the August 2023 incident, China officially denied the event, and Beijing refused to seek international aid for the stricken submarine.
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