China’s Newest Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine Sinks Mysteriously
A senior U.S. defense official has revealed that China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine, the Zhou-class, mysteriously sank earlier this year.
The incident, occurring between May and June, is a major setback for Beijing, which has been aggressively expanding its naval power.
Chinese authorities have remained silent about the submarine’s sinking, keeping the details a closely guarded secret.
The Zhou-class submarine featured cutting-edge technology, including an X-shaped stern, designed to enhance maneuverability and stealth.
A Satellite imagery analyst first noticed the submarine’s disappearance in June, raising suspicions at the Wuchang shipyard.
The incident has sparked concerns within the U.S. defense community, highlighting potential transparency issues in China’s military operations.
With China aiming to expand its submarine fleet to 80 by 2035, the loss of a key naval asset could disrupt its military aspirations.
The incident comes at a sensitive time as China recently launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, raising tensions with the U.S.
China’s sinking submarine could impact its quest for dominance in the Pacific and the ongoing U.S.-China military rivalry.