US says Chinese nuclear submarine sank

Cranes at the wharf area where Chinese nuclear submarines were once docked (Photo: Reuters).

Reuters quoted an unnamed senior US defense official as saying on September 26 that China's new Zhou-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank along a pier sometime between May and June.

However, according to this official, it is not yet clear what caused the ship to sink or whether there was nuclear fuel on board at the time.

“In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the internal accountability of the People’s Liberation Army and the oversight of China’s defense industry,” the official said.

Beijing has not yet commented on the above information.

According to a series of satellite images from Planet Labs, the submarine was docked at the Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan around late May. However, in early June, satellite images showed floating cranes working to lift the wreckage.

China's nuclear submarine production normally takes place in the northeastern city of Huludao in Liaoning province, but operations have recently moved to the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan, Hubei province.

"The incident will slow down China's plans to expand its nuclear submarine fleet," said Brent Sadler, a former US Navy officer.

According to a Pentagon report, as of 2022, China will have six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines.

The US Department of Defense said the submarine force is expected to increase to 65 by 2025 and 80 by 2035.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/my-noi-tau-ngam-hat-nhan-cua-trung-quoc-bi-chim-20240927104148043.htm