China lost its Zhou-class submarine near the Yangtze River

Satellite images analyzed by American intelligence services revealed that China’s new nuclear-powered submarine of the Zhou class sank at a dock in a shipyard near the Yangtze River. This information was confirmed by a senior U.S. Defense Department official on Thursday. The incident is significant not only for the Chinese navy but also for the geopolitical landscape in the region.

According to military sources, the sinking of the submarine represents a serious failure for China, which is actively striving to establish its naval power and expand its influence in the South China Sea—a strategically important route for international trade. As one of the leading naval powers in the world, Beijing continues to invest significant resources in modernizing its fleet. This loss raises doubts about China’s ability to maintain the pace of fleet expansion that includes new technologies and platforms.

The Zhou-class submarine is designed to give China a strategic advantage in underwater warfare. It has state-of-the-art fire control systems, underwater weapons, and stealth technologies. According to experts, the new class of submarines is a key element in Beijing’s ambitions to strengthen its influence in the region and protect its interests, especially in escalating territorial disputes.

The sinking was observed between May and June when satellite images showed cranes near the submarine, likely preparing for an operation to retrieve it from the waters. There are concerns that the incident may be the result of structural or technical deficiencies. As Thomas Shugart, a former U.S. submariner and analyst at the Center for a New American Security, commented, “This loss is a sign that regardless of the investments in modernization, things do not always go according to plan.”

China faces numerous territorial disputes with neighboring countries such as Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The U.S., for its part, is strengthening cooperation with allies in the region by conducting operations to ensure freedom of navigation. “It is not surprising that Chinese authorities would try to minimize information about such an incident,” said an anonymous American official, emphasizing the importance of transparency in global security.

Following the sinking of the submarine, experts expressed concerns that such an incident could delay the construction of new submarines and undermine China’s plans for fleet expansion. According to a report from the U.S. military, by last year, China operated six nuclear ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-electric attack submarines. The loss of the Zhou-class submarine could impact the total number of operational submarines and delay their readiness.

It remains unclear whether the submarine was loaded with nuclear fuel at the time of the incident. Although no radiation incidents have been reported following the sinking, the uncertainty surrounding the submarine’s safety raises concerns about environmental consequences. China operates six nuclear ballistic missile submarines and several diesel submarines, but the loss of the new Zhou class represents an additional blow to Beijing’s ambitions.

The news of the incident comes against the backdrop of recent military exercises and new missile tests conducted by China. Experts point out that after Beijing conducted a rare launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile in international waters in the Pacific Ocean, China’s naval ambitions are becoming increasingly aggressive but also subject to risk. “If China wants to be a leader in the region, it must ensure that its technologies and platforms are reliable,” notes Shugart.

The loss of the Zhou-class submarine is not just an incident; it could have long-term consequences for China’s ambitions in the region. Amidst efforts to enhance its military presence, such an incident could cast doubt not only on China’s ability to develop and maintain new technologies but also on its capacity to respond adequately to challenges in a complex geopolitical environment.

The sinking of the Zhou-class submarine is not only an incident but also a signal of the need for transparency and reliability in global military infrastructure. In the context of the complex geopolitical environment in Asia, this event could change the dynamics of naval power in the region and spark new debates about safety and China’s strategic intentions.

BULGARIAN MILITARY

China lost its Zhou-class submarine near the Yangtze River

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