Earlier this year, something strange happened at China’s Wuchang Shipyard, which is located near Wuhan. According to U.S. officials, a new nuclear-powered attack submarine sank while it was still being prepared for its first journey. This submarine, known as the Type 041 Zhou class, was initially thought to be conventionally powered, but it turned out to carry nuclear fuel when it sank.
A Cover-Up in the Making?
The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese authorities may have tried to hide this incident. U.S. officials said they haven’t seen any signs that China has checked the water or the surrounding area for radiation. There are concerns that some Chinese workers might have been injured or even killed in the sinking, but it’s unclear if there were any casualties.
Suspicious Activity
Before the submarine sank, there were already signs that something was wrong at the shipyard. Tom Shugart, a retired U.S. Navy submarine officer, noticed unusual activity there. He observed satellite images showing four crane barges suddenly appearing at the shipyard between June 12 and June 17. During that time, a submarine that had been present in May was missing. By early July, the crane barges were gone, and things at the shipyard seemed to return to normal.
Details of the Incident
U.S. officials have not shared many specifics about the accident. They confirmed it involved the new Zhou class submarine, which has a unique X-shaped back designed to make it easier to maneuver and quieter in the water. Using the cranes, the submarine was reportedly salvaged, but it may take months before it can be operational again. If it fully sank, water would have filled its compartments, damaging all its electronic systems.
Questions About Safety and Accountability
A senior U.S. defense official mentioned that it’s not surprising for the Chinese military to want to keep this incident quiet. It raises important questions about how well the Chinese military oversees its submarine construction and safety standards. In the past, there have been concerns about the quality and safety practices in Chinese naval shipbuilding.
Despite this setback, China is still rapidly improving its ability to build submarines. The fact that they were working on a new nuclear-powered submarine at Wuchang is noteworthy.
What’s Next for China’s Submarine Program?
Wuchang Shipyard has primarily built conventional submarines, known as Type 039A or Yuan class, but now they are expanding their capabilities to include nuclear-powered submarines. It’s unlikely that the Chinese government will reveal much about what happened with the submarine, but U.S. officials shedding light on the incident highlights interesting aspects of China’s growing submarine program.
While this incident is a blow to their new submarine, it’s unlikely to slow down China’s ambitious plans for building more submarines and strengthening its naval power.
