Recent satellite images captured by Planet Labs have revealed the presence of cranes at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan Shi, China, specifically on June 13. A senior official from the U.S. defense department disclosed on Thursday that China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank while docked at a pier, an event that occurred sometime between May and June, which could be a setback for China as it aims to bolster its military capabilities.

China already boasts the world's largest navy, consisting of more than 370 naval vessels, and is actively developing a new fleet of nuclear-armed submarines. The unnamed U.S. defense official commented that the exact cause of the sinking remains unknown, and it is unclear whether the submarine had nuclear fuel onboard at the time of the incident.

This situation raises serious concerns regarding the training practices and the quality of materials utilized within the Chinese military. Moreover, it sheds light on longstanding issues of corruption and oversight within China’s defense industry, prompting skepticism regarding the internal accountability of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, while maintaining silence on the specifics of the incident, stated that they lacked adequate information to provide on the matter. Additionally, the news about the sinking was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

In a broader context, as of 2022, China’s submarine arsenal included six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. The Pentagon has projected that this fleet is set to expand significantly, estimating a rise to 65 submarines by 2025 and 80 by 2035.

In related developments, China announced the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, a move likely to heighten global apprehensions regarding the country's nuclear development. Recent talks between U.S. and China military officials aimed to stabilize military relations and to mitigate potential misunderstandings, particularly concerning sensitive areas like the South China Sea.