China Fails To Cover Up Embarrassing Submarine Disaster

China’s efforts to conceal the sinking of its newest nuclear-powered submarine have been exposed, as satellite images reveal the embarrassing incident that Beijing tried to keep under wraps. The loss of the Zhou-class submarine, which occurred near Wuhan earlier this year, marks a significant blow to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and its ambitions to dominate the waters of the Pacific.

Reports suggest the submarine sank in May or June, though Chinese authorities have remained silent on the matter. However, former U.S. submarine officer Thomas Shugart was among the first to notice unusual activity at the Wuchang Shipyard, where non-nuclear submarines are typically constructed. His discovery of satellite imagery showing crane barges clustered around the area raised questions about what had occurred.

Despite the Chinese government’s attempts to hide the incident, satellite images captured the aftermath, with cranes working on the sunken vessel. Experts believe the submarine, likely containing nuclear fuel, has been raised but is far from operational. “The whole boat would be full of water. You’d have to clean out all the electronics. The electric motors may need to be replaced,” Shugart told the Wall Street Journal.

This loss comes at a time when China is attempting to bolster its naval capabilities, particularly in light of its ambitions regarding Taiwan. The sinking of the Zhou-class submarine highlights potential technical or structural flaws in China’s naval technology, raising questions about the PLAN’s readiness for any conflict.

As tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, particularly over Taiwan, this incident could undermine Beijing’s military confidence. The Chinese government’s lack of transparency on the issue only fuels speculation about deeper problems within its navy.