5 October 2024

Setback: Sinking of China’s nuclear submarine - opinio

Khedroob Thondup

The recent sinking of China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine, identified as a Zhou-class vessel, marks a significant setback for Beijing’s military ambitions. This incident, which occurred at a dock in Wuhan between May and June, has far-reaching implications for China’s naval capabilities and its broader strategic goals.

China has been aggressively modernizing its military, particularly its naval forces, to assert its dominance in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The loss of a state-of-the-art nuclear submarine not only diminishes its immediate naval strength but also raises questions about the quality and reliability of its military hardware. This incident could slow down China’s naval expansion plans, which aim to challenge the maritime supremacy of the United States and its allies.

The sinking of the submarine also highlights potential issues within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and China’s defence industry. Reports suggest that the incident may have been concealed, reflecting a lack of transparency and accountability within the PLA. This secrecy can undermine trust in China’s military capabilities, both domestically and internationally, and may indicate deeper systemic problems, such as corruption and inadequate training standards.

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