China's Zhou-class submarine sinks under construction, impacting naval expansion and regional tensions amid U.S. scrutiny

The disclosure regarding the sinking of China's latest nuclear-powered attack submarine has garnered significant attention in international circles. A confirmation from a U.S. military official to CBS News revealed that the Zhou-class submarine, which was still under construction, met with an unfortunate fate as it sank alongside a pier. This incident poses a considerable setback for China's ambitious naval expansion endeavors, aimed at establishing the world's largest navy.

China's proactive stance in asserting its claims over the South China Sea, a vital corridor for international trade, has raised concerns among various nations. Moreover, the intricacies of territorial disputes involving Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam further complicate the situation. In response, the United States has intensified its efforts to fortify alliances in the region, conducting regular naval operations aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation—moves that have drawn the ire of Beijing.

The sinking, as estimated, likely occurred between May and June, coinciding with satellite imagery that depicted cranes, presumably intended for recovering the submarine from the river's depths. The ramifications of this event extend beyond regional concerns, as it underlines the accelerated pace at which China has been augmenting its naval fleet, a development that many U.S. officials consider a primary concern for future security.

The Global Implications

The incident's revelation carried far-reaching implications, as it not only highlighted the challenges faced by China in its naval endeavors but also prompted discussions on global security dynamics. The identification of the submerged Zhou-class submarine, initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, underscored the extensive naval developments undertaken by China.

Furthermore, the detection of a submarine at the Shuangliu shipyard on the Yangtze River prior to the incident, coupled with subsequent satellite imagery depicting the submerged vessel, underscored the significance of monitoring advancements in military capabilities.

Naval Developments

China's naval capabilities, as of the preceding year, were marked by the operation of six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines, as documented in a U.S. military report. This substantial fleet underscores China's commitment to bolstering its naval presence on the global stage.

International Repercussions

The revelation of the submarine's sinking coincided with China's unprecedented launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into international waters in the Pacific Ocean. Defense experts noted that this marked the first instance of such a launch by Beijing since 1980, raising further concerns about regional security and stability.

Strengthening Alliances

In response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in discussions in London, focusing on the collaborative efforts of the U.S., Britain, and Australia in deterring China's assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific. This trilateral AUKUS partnership aims to enhance security through two key pillars: facilitating Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines and fostering collaboration on emerging military capabilities.

The extension of cooperation to Japan in the realm of maritime autonomy, along with potential discussions with Canada, South Korea, and New Zealand on emerging capabilities, underscores the collective resolve of these nations to address the challenges posed by China's assertiveness.

China's response to the AUKUS partnership has been one of accusation, alleging that it provokes a nuclear arms race and disrupts peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. This narrative underscores the complexities of navigating international relations in the face of evolving military dynamics.