China’s Newest Nuclear Submarine Sinks: US Officials Reveal
China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine, the first of its Zhou-class line, sank at a shipyard near Wuhan in the spring. The Chinese navy attempted to conceal the incident, according to US defense officials.
Details of the Incident
The Zhou-class submarines have a distinctive X-shaped stern designed for better maneuverability underwater. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies, captured on March 10, showed the submarine docked at the port. However, by June, the submarine had disappeared from the pier.
Expert Observations
Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, noted unusual activity at the shipyard, including a cluster of cranes around one spot. He observed that the submarine, which was larger and had a distinctive tail, was no longer at the shipyard.
China’s Naval Modernization
China has prioritized modernizing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, aiming to build a world-class military. The PLA Navy currently operates six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. By 2025, China is expected to have 65 submarines, increasing to 80 by 2035.
Comparative Naval Strength
The US Navy has 14 ballistic missile submarines, four guided-missile submarines, and 53 fast attack submarines, all of which are nuclear-powered. In terms of the number of ships, China has the world’s largest navy with 370 platforms, including 234 warships, compared to the US’s 219 warships.
Concerns Raised
The incident raises questions about the internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry, which has been plagued by corruption. A spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, stated that they were not familiar with the situation and had no information to provide.
Doubts Revealed
Nuclear Submarine -: A nuclear submarine is a type of submarine that uses nuclear power to move and operate. It can stay underwater for a long time without needing to come up for air.
Zhou-class -: Zhou-class is a name given to a new type of submarine made by China. It’s like a new model of a car but for submarines.
Shipyard -: A shipyard is a place where ships and submarines are built and repaired. It’s like a big workshop for making and fixing boats.
Wuhan -: Wuhan is a big city in China. It’s known for many things, including being a place where ships and submarines are made.
Satellite images -: Satellite images are pictures taken from space by satellites. These pictures can show us what is happening on Earth from very high up.
Maxar Technologies -: Maxar Technologies is a company that takes pictures of Earth from space using satellites. They help people see and understand what is happening in different parts of the world.
US officials -: US officials are people who work for the government of the United States. They help make decisions and share important information.
Modernize -: To modernize means to make something new or up-to-date. China wants to make its navy more advanced and powerful.
Submarines -: Submarines are special boats that can go underwater. They are used by the navy for exploring, spying, and fighting.
Internal accountability -: Internal accountability means making sure that people within an organization, like the navy, are doing their jobs correctly and responsibly.