China's newest nuclear-powered submarine sank this year, U.S. says

A series of satellite images from Planet Labs appears to show cranes at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan, China, on June 15. Handout photo

by JESSE JOHNSON
September 27, 2024

The Pentagon has confirmed a report that China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank in the spring, dealing a major blow to Beijing as it seeks to showcase its growing military prowess amid its rivalry with the United States.

A U.S. Defense Department spokesperson told The Japan Times on condition of anonymity that the submarine sank pier-side.

“It is unclear if it was carrying nuclear fuel at the time,” the spokesperson said Friday, without offering further details.