The most recent Chinese nuclear-powered submarine reportedly encountered a mishap and submerged this year, according to a US source.
The initially unveiled submarine belongs to the recently developed Zhou-class fleet, a navy representative stated, being built at a shipyard situated near Wuhan's urban area. The distinctive X-shaped stern structure of Zhou-class submarines is intended to enhance their underwater agility.
A March 10th satellite snapshot obtained by Maxar Technologies captured the Zhou-class sub, with its recognizable x-shaped tail, at the harbor. However, Maxar imagery reviewed by CNN in mid-June revealed that the submarine was absent from the pier.
As per a senior US defense official, "It's not uncommon for China's People's Liberation Army Navy to conceal the fact that their innovative first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine had gone missing alongside the dock."
The anomalous happenings at the shipyard first piqued the interest of Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, who frequently analyzes satellite imagery of Chinese shipyards.
"I've never seen so many cranes grouped around (that area)," Shugart explained to CNN. "Upon examining historical satellite imagery, you can identify just a single crane, but not an array of them gathered there." Shugart also discovered the submarine's enhanced dimensions and distinct tail in earlier pictures, indicating the advent of a new submarine class.
"Typically, such submarines remain at the shipyard for several months following launch, undergoing outfitting. Yet, it was no longer to be found," Shugart commented.
The modernization of the People's Liberation Army Navy, as well as its submarine fleet, stands as a top priority for China, aiming to create a military on par with the United States. According to the 2023 edition of the Chinese military power report, the PLA Navy administers six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines.
Meanwhile, the US Navy encompasses 53 fast attack submarines, 14 ballistic-missile submarines, and four guided-missile submarines, the entirety of which is nuclear-powered.
The senior defense official remains uncertain as to whether nuclear fuel had been installed on the submarine prior to its disappearance or if the vessel was unsupplemented when it sank.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to disseminate news regarding the submarine's sinking.
CNN requested comments from China's Washington, D.C., embassy.
Anticipating the decommissioning of older submarines, China is forecasted to possess 65 submarines by 2025 and 80 by 2035, due to increases in its submarine manufacturing ability, as per the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
China boasts the largest Navy globally by ship count, with 370 platforms, including 234 warships, according to CRS, and the US Navy has 219 warships. The US has identified China as its primary strategic concern over the long term.
In response to the defense official's criticism of China's corruption-ridden defense industry, he remarked, "The incident highlights more significant concerns about the PLA's internal accountability and oversight within their defense industry."
While the defense official raised concerns about corruption within China's defense industry, the disappearance of the Zhou-class submarine sparked political debate about the transparency and accountability of China's military operations.
In light of the submarine's disappearance, the politics surrounding China's military expansion and naval capabilities have become a hot topic of discussion in international relations circles.
