Satellite imagery revealed that China's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank while under construction at a pier, according to a senior U.S. defense official. The sinking of China's first Zhou-class submarine is seen as a setback for Beijing as it expands its navy, which is currently the world's largest. China's assertiveness in claiming the South China Sea, a vital trade route, has raised tensions with neighboring countries like Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The submarine is believed to have sunk between May and June, with cranes observed in satellite images that could be used to lift it from the riverbed. China's rapid naval expansion has been a concern for the U.S., which aims to bolster ties with regional allies and ensure freedom of navigation in the disputed waters.
While China has not officially commented on the incident, a former U.S. Navy submariner first noticed the submarine's situation in July. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the submarine submerged in the Yangtze River, surrounded by rescue equipment and cranes to prevent leaks.
It remains unclear if the submarine was carrying nuclear fuel or if its reactor was operational during the incident. However, there have been no reports of radiation leaks in the area. China currently operates a significant number of nuclear-powered and diesel-powered submarines, as per a U.S. military report.
In a separate development, China recently conducted a rare test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, the first such test since 1980. The submarine's sinking and the missile test underscore China's military ambitions and its growing capabilities in the region.
