Results for: Pacific

China’s ambitious naval expansion plans have suffered a major blow after its newest nuclear-powered submarine, the Zhou-class, sank during construction. While China has tried to conceal the incident, satellite imagery and US officials have confirmed the sinking, raising concerns about the country’s shipbuilding standards and oversight. This setback could hinder China’s efforts to achieve maritime dominance in the Pacific, but Beijing is unlikely to be deterred in its quest to modernize its navy.

New Zealand, initially hesitant about the Aukus defense pact, has shown a growing interest in collaborating with the trilateral agreement, particularly focusing on the technology-sharing aspects of the deal. This shift comes amidst a changing security landscape in the Pacific, driven by China’s growing assertiveness.