Satellite images revealed that China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank off a pier during construction, CBS News reported, citing a US military official.
The sinking of China’s first Zhou-class submarine represents a setback for Beijing. In an attempt to defend its claims in the South China Sea, which is crucial to international trade, China continues to build the world’s largest navy.
The submarine likely sank between May and June, when satellite images showed the cranes needed to raise it from the bottom of the river. However, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday that he was not familiar with the subject and did not provide any information when asked about it at a news conference in Beijing.
The photo, taken on 15 June, shows the submarine fully or partially submerged beneath the surface of the river, with rescue equipment and cranes surrounding it. Booms encircle it to prevent oil or other substances from leaking from the vessel. It is still unclear whether the stricken submarine was loaded with nuclear fuel and whether its reactor was operating at the time of the incident. However, no radiation releases have since been reported in the area.
Indo-Pacific claims
According to a US military report, China had six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear attack submarines and 48 diesel attack submarines as of last year.
Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was in London this week to discuss progress made by the US, UK and Australia in containing China in the Indo-Pacific.
Under the AUKUS agreement, the two sides plan to help Australia acquire nuclear submarines, as well as expand co-operation on new military capabilities. Earlier this year, the partnership announced that Japan would work with AUKUS on maritime autonomy. Negotiations are also underway with Canada, South Korea and New Zealand.
However, Beijing accused AUKUS of provoking a nuclear arms race and undermining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
