China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, according to a senior US defense official, potentially embarrassing Beijing as it expands its military capabilities.
This incident comes as China already boasts the world’s largest navy, with over 370 ships, and is producing a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines.
The senior US defense official revealed that the submarine sank alongside a pier between May and June, although the exact cause and whether it had nuclear fuel on board remain unclear.
In response, a Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington claimed they had no information to provide, stating, “We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide.”
This incident raises concerns about the People’s Liberation Army’s internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry, which has struggled with corruption. The PLA Navy may try to conceal the sinking, highlighting the need for transparency.
Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo acknowledged that authorities are monitoring the situation through intelligence and surveillance methods. Taiwan keeps a close eye on China’s military activities, especially after a Chinese nuclear submarine was spotted in the Taiwan Strait near Taiwanese fishermen in June.
China’s military expansion includes a growing submarine force, expected to reach 65 by 2025 and 80 by 2035. The country recently conducted a rare intercontinental ballistic missile launch into the Pacific Ocean, sparking international concerns about its nuclear buildup.
The US and China have held talks to stabilize military ties and avoid misunderstandings, particularly in regional hotspots like the South China Sea.
