Washington, DC — China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank near the pier at a shipyard in Wuhan earlier this year, according to two U.S. defense officials, in what could be a significant blow to Beijing’s military ambitions. The incident, which occurred in the spring, involved the first vessel of China’s new Zhou-class submarines, and the Chinese Navy allegedly tried to conceal the loss.
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies show the submarine, recognizable by its distinctive X-shaped tail, docked in March but absent from later imagery in June. This unusual disappearance caught the attention of experts, including Tom Shugart from the Center for a New American Security, who noted the presence of multiple cranes around the submarine’s location—a rare occurrence that hinted at an extraordinary event.
“I’ve never seen a bunch of cranes clustered around one spot like that,” said Shugart, who regularly analyzes satellite images of Chinese shipyards. He also identified the submarine’s larger size and unique stern design, confirming it was a new class of vessel.
China has prioritized the modernization of its naval fleet, aiming to challenge the United States’ military superiority, particularly in submarine warfare. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy currently operates six nuclear-powered attack submarines, with plans to expand its fleet. By 2025, China is expected to have 65 submarines, growing to 80 by 2035, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Despite China’s growing military strength, this incident highlights potential issues within its defense industry, according to U.S. officials. “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,” said a senior U.S. defense official.
While the Chinese government has yet to officially confirm the sinking, the Wall Street Journal first reported the news, and a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington declined to provide further details.
As China continues its push for military modernization, the loss of a first-in-class nuclear submarine could deal a setback to the country’s efforts to compete with the U.S., which operates a fleet of 53 fast-attack submarines and 14 ballistic-missile submarines—all nuclear-powered.
The full extent of the damage, including whether the submarine was fueled at the time of the sinking, remains unclear. However, the event could have long-term implications for China’s military progress and the competition between the world’s two largest navies.
