The incident involving the first of the Zhou-class line of vessels reportedly occurred in Wuhan in late May or early June
China’s newest nuclear submarine sank while in dock several months ago, US media outlets claimed on Thursday, citing sources. Beijing has reportedly avoided making the incident public amid a major effort to expand its navy.
Unnamed US officials told the Wall Street Journal and CNN that the incident took place at a shipyard near Wuhan in late May or early June. According to Reuters, satellite images from June appear to show cranes at the facility in the Wuchang district where the submarine would have been docked, indicating a potential salvage operation.
CNN described the vessel as an attack submarine, the first of the new Zhou class, which has a distinctive X-shaped stern that increases its maneuverability. The WSJ said the submarine was completing its outfitting before leaving port when it went down.
A senior defense official…