China's New Nuclear Submarine Sinks at Shipyard

China's naval ambitions have taken a significant hit following the sinking of its first Zhou-class nuclear-powered attack submarine at the Wuchang shipyard near Wuhan between May and June. U.S. defense officials disclosed that satellite imagery revealed recovery efforts involving floating cranes around the submerged vessel, which was believed to have been undergoing final equipping before its maiden voyage. The incident raises concerns about the operational integrity and safety protocols within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, as well as the potential presence of nuclear fuel onboard at the time of the sinking. Despite the PLA's attempts to downplay the event and the lack of an official acknowledgment, the situation has sparked scrutiny regarding accountability and oversight in China's defense industry, which has faced allegations of corruption. The submarine's loss is seen as a setback amidst China's rapid naval expansion aimed at challenging U.S. dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. has since reinforced its military alliances in response to China's growing assertiveness at sea.