The Chinese government has reportedly covered up the sinking of its newest nuclear-powered submarine while it was tied to a pier, according to U.S. officials. The incident, involving China’s first Zhou-class submarine, likely occurred between May and June. Satellite images showed cranes in the area that would have been necessary to salvage the vessel from the bottom of the river. This situation raises concerns about the training standards, equipment quality, internal accountability, and oversight within the PLA Navy and China’s defense industry, which has a history of corruption.
China has stated its goal of building a world-class military to deter aggression and protect its overseas interests. Last year, the Pentagon revealed that China’s military has adopted a policy of keeping at least one nuclear-capable submarine at sea at all times. China currently maintains a fleet of six nuclear-capable submarines that carry missiles capable of reaching the continental U.S. from the South China Sea. The incident involving the sinking of the Zhou-class submarine comes at a time when the Chinese military is increasingly flexing its maritime power in the region.
The report of China’s new submarine activity coincides with the U.S., U.K., and Australia entering an agreement for the production and sale of nuclear-powered attack submarines. Australia is expected to purchase these vessels to modernize its fleet and enhance its capabilities. The new submarines are key assets for tracking missile submarines, such as those deployed by China, and will help alleviate some of the pressure on U.S. and U.K. forces in the region. The decision by Australia to build a submarine fleet powered by U.S. nuclear technology has drawn criticism from France, but Australia remains committed to the partnership despite the backlash.
The sinking of China’s Zhou-class submarine highlights issues within the PLA Navy and China’s defense industry, including questions about training standards and equipment quality. The incident has also raised concerns about internal accountability and oversight of military operations, given the efforts to cover up the matter. The repercussions of this incident could have a lasting impact on China’s military capabilities and its reputation on the global stage.
China’s efforts to build a world-class military underscore its commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and expanding its presence in the South China Sea and beyond. The deployment of nuclear-capable submarines demonstrates China’s readiness to assert its maritime power in the region and project its influence on a global scale. The incident involving the sinking of the Zhou-class submarine has shed light on the challenges facing China’s military modernization efforts and the need for greater transparency and accountability within its defense industry.
The agreement between the U.S., U.K., and Australia for the production and sale of nuclear-powered attack submarines represents a significant development in the Indo-Pacific region. The acquisition of these advanced submarines will bolster Australia’s naval capabilities and strengthen its partnership with key allies. By investing in modern submarine technology, Australia is taking steps to enhance its maritime security and contribute to regional stability. The decision to pursue these submarines underscores Australia’s commitment to strengthening its defense posture and supporting its allies in the face of growing security challenges in the region.
