Satellite imagery revealed that China's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank while under construction at a pier, according to a senior U.S. defense official. The sinking of China's first Zhou-class submarine is seen as a setback for Beijing as it expands its navy, which is currently the world's largest. China's assertiveness in claiming the South China Sea, a vital trade route, has raised tensions with neighboring countries like Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The submarine is believed to have sunk between May and June, with cranes observed in satellite images that could be used to lift it from the riverbed. China's rapid naval expansion has been a concern for the U.S., which aims to bolster ties with regional allies and ensure freedom of navigation in the disputed waters.
