A recent Wall Street Journal report revealed a major setback for China’s naval power expansion, as one of its newest highly-touted nuclear-powered submarines is said to have sank at a shipyard near Wuhan in either May or early summer. This sub was expected to be the newest addition to China’s fleet of six nuclear-powered attack subs. The incident raises significant concerns about training standards, equipment quality, and the overall accountability within the PLA.
The sinking of this submarine represents a considerable setback for China, whose President Xi Jinping has been overseeing the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army Navy for years. The US official anonymously quoted by the Wall Street Journal stated that it is not surprising that the PLA Navy would attempt to cover up the incident. Furthermore, this event raises questions about the internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry, which has long been plagued by corruption.
Satellite images obtained by Planet Labs seem to confirm that the submarine did indeed sink. The sunken vessel is a first-of-its-kind Zhou-class Chinese nuclear-powered sub with an X-shaped stern for improved maneuverability. It was built by China State Shipbuilding Corp., a state-owned company, and observed alongside a pier on the Yangtze River in late May during its final equipping before going to sea.
Currently, large floating cranes are engaged in salvaging efforts at the site. A significant concern is whether the submarine was carrying nuclear fuel when it sank, with analysts cited by the Wall Street Journal asserting that this is ‘likely.’ Neither the Chinese government nor the PLA military have addressed the loss of the submarine, and it is improbable that they will do so in the future.
Regional tensions have increased as a result of recent events involving defense deals between the US and other Western nations, particularly Australia. Beijing has criticized these moves, accusing them of encouraging an arms race. In response to this perceived threat, Russia and China have been jointly patrolling Pacific regional waters in order to display their collective military might against the United States and its allies.
In a move aimed at bolstering Australia’s naval defense amid growing anxiety over China’s military expansion, the US has signed a contentious defense deal with Australia. This agreement involves the sale of three US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, scheduled for delivery in the 2030s, as well as two more at an undetermined later date if needed.
The sinking of China’s newest submarine could have significant implications on the balance of power within the region and may serve to further heighten tensions between China and Western allies.
