Overview

In a stunning revelation, a U.S. military official confirmed that China’s latest nuclear-powered attack submarine, known as the Zhou-class, sank while still under construction at a pier. This incident was revealed through satellite imagery analyzed by CBS News, marking a significant blow to China's ambitious naval expansion efforts.

Impact on China's Naval Ambitions

As Beijing aims to strengthen its naval capabilities and assert its claims over the contested South China Sea—an area critical for international trade—the sinking of its first Zhou-class submarine could hinder its military aspirations. This maritime region is not only vital for trade but is also a hotspot for territorial disputes with several nations, including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

U.S. Response and Surveillance

The U.S. has been actively bolstering its alliances in the Asia-Pacific region, conducting freedom of navigation operations that frequently provoke Beijing's ire. Previously, satellite images indicated that the submarine likely sank between May and June, showing cranes appearing in subsequent images when the recovery effort began.

Official Remarks and Reactions

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, commenting on this incident, expressed unfamiliarity and declined to elaborate, reflecting a pattern of opacity regarding military matters from Beijing. According to the U.S. official, it is 'not surprising' for China to keep such incidents under wraps, and currently, the fate of the sunken submarine remains ambiguous.

Previous Reports and Discoveries

The alarming discovery was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which indicated that former U.S. Navy submariner Thomas Shugart flagged the incident back in July, although its significance wasn’t fully understood until recently. Recent satellite images from Planet Labs PBC corroborated the timeline, showing what appeared to be the submarine docked at the Shuangliu shipyard on the Yangtze River.

Environmental and Technical Concerns

An image captured on June 15 showcased the vessel partially submerged, encircled by rescue gear and cranes, with preventive booms installed to mitigate potential environmental hazards. In intriguing developments, a separate satellite image taken on August 25 revealed the presence of another submarine in the same dock, although it remains unclear if it was the same vessel.

Nuclear Fuel Concerns

Concerns intensify regarding whether the submerged submarine was equipped with nuclear fuel, particularly given the absence of reported radiation leaks following the incident. As of 2022, China was known to operate a diverse fleet including six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and several other attack submarines.

Geopolitical Context

The timing of this incident coincides with China's recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into international waters, marking a rare test that experts suggest had not been seen since 1980.

Trilateral Discussions

In response to growing regional tensions, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently held talks in London with allies from Britain and Australia, part of the trilateral AUKUS partnership aimed at enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific. They discussed mutual efforts that include aiding Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines and collaborating on cutting-edge military technologies.

China's Criticism of AUKUS

China has vocally criticized AUKUS, accusing it of fomenting a nuclear arms race and destabilizing peace in the region. The aftermath of the sunken submarine might impact these geopolitical tensions even further as nations closely monitor China's naval capabilities.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!