A senior US defense official revealed on Thursday that China’s latest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, sometime between May and June. The incident, involving a first-of-its-kind submarine, reportedly occurred while the vessel was docked at a pier. While the cause of the sinking remains unclear, it is unknown whether the submarine had nuclear fuel onboard at the time.
This incident has sparked concern about the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) internal accountability and oversight. The sinking raises questions about training standards and the quality of equipment within China’s defense industry. James Char, a defense expert at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, commented that the mishap casts doubt on the survivability and safety standards of the PLA Navy’s advanced platforms.
Satellite images captured in June by Planet Labs show cranes at the Wuchang shipyard, where the submarine was docked. This incident comes amidst China’s ongoing efforts to expand its military capabilities, including a recent intercontinental ballistic missile launch into the Pacific Ocean.
The incident holds significant weight as China aggressively expands its military power. In 2023, China launched its first fleet of nuclear-powered guided missile submarines, marking a major step in its naval strength. This development follows Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its naval defenses against potential threats from Xi Jinping.
Recently, China tightened export controls on technologies with both military and civilian applications, aiming to enhance national security. This regulation, approved by the State Council, seeks to safeguard national security amidst global tensions. China also urged the US to reconsider its nuclear stance after a senior US official suggested potentially increasing warheads.
The sinking of this new submarine raises serious questions about the reliability and safety of China’s rapidly developing military technology. It remains to be seen how China will address this incident and what steps they will take to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their future military assets.
