China's Darkest Secret: The Sinking of a Cutting-Edge Nuclear-Powered Submarine Exposed

Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal have revealed a shocking truth that could change the face of global politics and regional tensions in the Asia-Pacific. A senior US defense official has confirmed that China’s newest, highly advanced nuclear-powered submarine has sunk at a shipyard near Wuhan.

This incident, reportedly occurring in either May or early summer, deals a significant blow to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, which has been actively seeking to expand its naval power and technology. For years, President Xi has been overseeing the modernization of the PLA Navy, and the sinking of the submarine raises serious questions about training standards, equipment quality, and internal accountability.

According to the US official, the PLA Navy is attempting to cover up the 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,” the official stated. The incident has sparked concerns about the PLA’s internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry, which has long been plagued by corruption.

Satellite photos by Planet Labs appear to confirm that the submarine sank. The Zhou-class vessel was the first of a new class of Chinese nuclear-powered subs, featuring a distinctive X-shaped stern designed to make the vessel more maneuverable. Built by China State Shipbuilding Corp., a state-owned company, the submarine was undergoing its final equipping before going to sea when the incident occurred.

The Pentagon has also confirmed the loss of the submarine, and large floating cranes have been observed engaged in a salvaging mission at the site. One major concern surrounding the sinking is whether the submarine was carrying nuclear fuel at the time of the incident, with analysts suggesting that it was ‘likely’.

The Chinese government and the PLA military have been silent on the matter, and it is unlikely that they will comment on the loss of the sub. Regional tensions have increased given the US has recently inked a defense deal to bolster Australia’s naval defense, amidst Western nations’ growing anxiety over China’s military expansion.

The agreement between the US and Australia centers on the sale of three U.S. Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, expected to be delivered in the 2030s, with the possibility of two more at a later point if needed. Beijing has sharply criticized the move, saying it was encouraging an arms race. In response, Russia and China have been conducting joint patrols in Pacific regional waters, flexing their collective muscle against the US and its allies.