“Chinese Nuclear Submarine Sinks, Causing Significant Embarrassment for Beijing: Report”
China’s latest first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, according to a senior US defense official, in what could be a significant embarrassment for Beijing as it seeks to expand its naval capabilities. The submarine reportedly sank alongside a pier between May and June 2023, though details on the exact cause remain unclear. The incident has raised concerns about China’s military standards, equipment quality, and oversight, highlighting potential issues within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
China’s latest first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, according to a senior US defense official, in what could be a significant embarrassment for Beijing as it seeks to expand its naval capabilities. The submarine reportedly sank alongside a pier between May and June 2023, though details on the exact cause remain unclear. The incident has raised concerns about China’s military standards, equipment quality, and oversight, highlighting potential issues within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The Chinese embassy in Washington declined to provide any details, with a spokesperson stating, “We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide.” It remains unknown whether the submarine had nuclear fuel onboard when it sank, adding further uncertainty to the situation.
The US official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that the sinking could point to broader issues within China’s defense sector, which has been plagued by corruption. The official added, “It’s not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the incident.”
Taiwan, which closely monitors China’s military activities, has acknowledged the situation but provided few details. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed the island’s intelligence and surveillance capabilities had detected the incident but did not elaborate further.
This news comes as China continues to expand its navy, which is already the largest in the world, boasting over 370 ships. According to a Pentagon report, China currently has six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. The force is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated 65 submarines by 2025 and 80 by 2035.
The sinking of the submarine adds to a growing list of international concerns about China’s military activities, especially following a recent intercontinental ballistic missile test into the Pacific Ocean. These developments come at a time when both the US and China have been engaging in efforts to stabilize military ties and avoid potential conflicts, particularly in sensitive areas like the South China Sea.
The news of the Chinese submarine sinking was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, with satellite imagery from June appearing to show cranes at the Wuchang shipyard where the submarine was docked. The incident underscores the challenges China faces in its quest to modernize and expand its military presence on the global stage.
Sources By Agencies
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