China’s Newest Nuclear Submarine Sinks

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Chinese officials scrambled to cover up the sinking of a new nuclear-powered submarine at a shipyard near Wuhan in the spring, U.S. officials told the Wall Street Journal.

The Associated Press reported that China’s first Zhou-class submarine likely sank between May and June, citing an anonymous official. Satellite images revealed cranes in the area, likely used to salvage the vessel from the riverbed.

The Zhou-class submarine that sank is the first of its kind in China’s nuclear-powered fleet, featuring a unique X-shaped stern for improved maneuverability.

Chinese authorities reportedly rushed to conceal the undisclosed incident.

“It’s not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the fact that their new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank pierside,” a senior U.S. Defense official told the Wall Street Journal. “In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the PLA’s internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry, which has long been plagued by corruption.”

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