China’s latest military failure — the sinking of a Zhou-class nuclear submarine — has been exposed through satellite images, revealing a major setback for the Chinese navy. The vessel sank earlier this year near Wuhan, and Chinese officials have yet to acknowledge the incident, attempting to keep the disaster under wraps.
Former U.S. submarine officer Thomas Shugart first raised the alarm about unusual activity at the Wuchang Shipyard in July, posting satellite images showing cranes clustered around a spot where a submarine had previously been. Though initially speculated to be a diesel-electric Yuan-class submarine, further investigation revealed that the sunken vessel was the first of China’s nuclear-powered Zhou-class.
Experts suggest that the submarine likely had nuclear fuel onboard, but even if it has been recovered, it is far from seaworthy. The damage caused by the sinking would require extensive repairs, from replacing electrical systems to addressing the original cause of the disaster. Technical flaws or human error may be behind the incident, but Beijing’s silence on the matter only adds to the mystery.
This failure comes as a major embarrassment for China, which has been increasing its naval presence in preparation for a potential conflict with Taiwan. The Zhou-class submarine was supposed to be a key part of China’s naval expansion, but its sudden failure raises questions about the PLAN’s readiness for high-stakes conflict.
Beijing’s efforts to cover up the sinking have failed, and the incident may weaken confidence in China’s military capabilities just as tensions with the U.S. and Taiwan continue to rise.
