China’s quest for maritime military equality with the United States has faced a significant setback following the sinking of its latest advanced nuclear submarine at a dock, as confirmed by American officials. The incident reportedly occurred at the Wuchang shipyard near Wuhan, either in May or June, and was revealed through satellite imagery, despite efforts by Chinese authorities to conceal it.
According to a US defense official speaking to Reuters, the Zhou-class submarine, the first of its kind designed with an X-shaped stern for improved maneuverability, sank while docked next to a pier. While it remains unclear if there were any casualties or whether the submarine contained nuclear fuel at the time, experts believe it likely did. The vessel has since been salvaged, but experts suggest it may take months before it is operational again.
US officials have noted a lack of evidence that Chinese authorities have investigated the surrounding water or environment for potential radiation leaks. The incident has gone unacknowledged by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The first hint of the incident emerged when Thomas Shugart, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security and a former US submarine officer, observed unusual activity involving floating cranes at the shipyard via satellite images. Shugart expressed disbelief at the idea that a US nuclear submarine sinking could be hushed up by the government.
A US defense official emphasized that the incident raises serious concerns about the PLA’s competence and internal accountability, especially given the long-standing corruption within China’s defense sector. The official remarked, “It’s not surprising that the PLA navy would try to conceal” such an occurrence.
A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington stated they were unfamiliar with the situation and had no further information. As of 2022, China operated six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. The Pentagon projects that this fleet will expand to 65 submarines by 2025 and 80 by 2035, as part of China’s goal to establish maritime dominance in the region.
Experts warn that the recent sinking will impede China’s efforts to enhance its nuclear submarine capabilities, underscoring the significance of the event. Brent Sadler, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, stated, “This is significant.”