Most advanced Chinese nuclear submarine already sinks in shipyard: “Blow for Chinese navy and ambitions”

It was the first submarine of the Zhouclass, a new type of submarine characterized by its X-shaped stern, which would promote maneuverability. The vessel sank according to US military sources Wall Street Journal however, in May or June at the Wuchang Shipyard, near Wuhan.

The Chinese authorities are said to have tried to cover up the incident, but the news was apparently discovered based on satellite images. The submarine was probably next to a pier when it sank. It is not known whether there were any casualties during the sinking, or whether the submarine had nuclear fuel on board at the time – experts say the latter is “probable”. The submarine was eventually recovered, but US defense sources believe it will take many months before the vessel is seaworthy again.

“Corruption”

According to the source of the Wall Street Journal The incident also raises questions about the competence and transparency of the Chinese military. For example, the environment would not have been monitored for nuclear radiation at any time.

“In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the military’s internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry, which has long been plagued by corruption,” it said. . “It is not surprising that the Chinese Navy is trying to cover up this incident.”

60 submarines

According to a Pentagon report, by 2022 the Chinese military had six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. That number is expected to grow to 65 by 2025, and to 80 by 2035.

According to the Pentagon, China aims to counter US aid to Taiwan in the event of a conflict by developing new submarines – and surface ships and naval aircraft – and to establish “maritime superiority” on a series of islands stretching throughout the South China Sea.

“The sinking of this new nuclear submarine will delay China’s plans to expand its nuclear submarine fleet,” says expert Brent Sadler of the think tank Heritage Foundation. “Dit is significant.”