Setback for Xi Jinping's military ambitions as China's new nuclear submarine sinks in Wuhan port

Setback for President Xi Jinping's military modernization efforts

In a setback for President Xi Jinping's military modernization efforts, China's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank on a dock during construction between May and June, according to U.S. intelligence reports.
Driving the news

• Satellite images recently revealed that China's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine, the first of its class, sank while under construction earlier this year, the AP news agency reported citing a senior American defense official.
• The vessel, identified as a Zhou-class submarinesank along a pier at Wuchang Shipyard between May and June.
• The incident, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, came to light after satellite images showed cranes attempting to lift the submarine from the river bottom.
• Although the submarine has since been recovered, the extent of the damage, the exact cause of the sinking and the possible presence of nuclear fuel on board remain unknown.

Why it matters

• The loss of China's first Zhou-class nuclear attack submarine is a significant setback for the country's ambitions to build a world-class navy capable of rivaling the US fleet.
• As China aggressively expands its naval capabilities, including its nuclear-powered submarines, the incident raises questions about the quality of its military equipment, its training standards and the internal control of its defense industry, plagued by corruption for years.
• Additionally, the incident highlights broader tensions between the United States and China, as the two countries vie for military dominance, particularly in strategically important areas like the Taiwan Strait and the China Sea southern.
• A senior U.S. defense official, speaking anonymously to the WSJ, said the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy likely tried to cover up the sinking. It is not surprising that the PLA Navy is trying to hide the fact that its new nuclear-powered attack submarine, the first of its class, sank at the edge of the pier, the official told the WSJ.
• In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the PLA's internal accountability and oversight of China's defense industry, which has long been plagued by corruption.

The big picture

• China's naval modernization efforts have played a central role in its broader military expansion. The country already has the world's largest navy, with more than 370 ships, and is rapidly expanding its fleet of submarines, surface ships and naval aircraft.
• According to a 2022 Pentagon report, China currently has six nuclear-powered missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. This fleet is expected to grow to 65 submarines by 2025 and 80 by 2035, as part of China's long-term goal of achieving maritime superiority within the First Island Chain, an extensive of territory stretching from the Japanese archipelago through Taiwan and the Philippines. the South China Sea.
• The sunken Zhou-class submarine represents a critical part of this naval expansion. It is the first in a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines, designed to enhance China's undersea warfare capabilities. The ship is distinguished by its distinctive X-shaped stern, intended to improve maneuverability.
• The Zhou-class submarines are part of China's broader efforts to build a deep-sea navy capable of projecting power well beyond its shores and countering the U.S. naval presence in the region.

What they say

• The Chinese government has remained tight-lipped about the incident. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said: “We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide. This response is consistent with the PLA's practice of downplaying or outright denying incidents within its ranks, particularly those that could tarnish its image of military competence.
• In Taipei, Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed that Taiwanese authorities were monitoring the situation. We understand the situation through multiple intelligence and surveillance methods, Koo said, although he did not elaborate. Taiwan, which is under constant threat from Beijing, closely follows Chinese military activities, particularly movements across the Taiwan Strait.
• Experts outside the U.S. government have raised concerns about the potential environmental and security risks posed by the submarine's sinking. Although it is unclear whether the submarine was carrying nuclear fuel at the time of the incident, many believe it likely was. U.S. officials have detected no signs that Chinese authorities have checked the water or environment for radiation, raising additional concerns about transparency and accountability.
• According to the WSJ report, Thomas Shugart, a former U.S. submarine officer and deputy senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, was one of the first to spot irregular activities at the Wuchang Naval Shipyard. Using commercial satellite imagery, Shugart noted the presence of large floating cranes, which he believed could indicate that an accident involving a submarine had occurred. He later learned from American authorities that the submarine in question was nuclear-powered.
• Can you imagine if a US nuclear submarine sank in San Diego and the government kept quiet and didn't tell anyone? I mean, holy cow! » Shugart said in an interview with the WSJ. He added that although the submarine has since been recovered, it would likely be several months before it could return to sea. The entire boat would be filled with water. All electronics would need to be cleaned. Electric motors may need to be replaced. It would be a lot of work, he explained.
• Commander Ryan Ramsey, a former captain of a nuclear-powered submarine in the Royal Navy, shared his views with the Daily Mail regarding the recent incident. “It will be a setback and it's really embarrassing. But they know how to learn quickly and move forward,” he said.

Between the lines

• The sinking of the Zhou-class submarines could have far-reaching consequences for China's military modernization efforts. As China strives to build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines capable of rivaling the U.S. Navy, the incident could slow its plans and raise questions about the reliability of its military technology. Brent Sadler, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a retired U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officer, called the sinking significant. The sinking of a new nuclear submarine produced at a new yard will slow China's plans to expand its nuclear submarine fleet, he told the WSJ.
• China's submarine capabilities are crucial to its broader naval strategy, including deterring U.S. intervention in a potential conflict over Taiwan. The PLA Navy's submarine fleet, which includes nuclear- and diesel-powered vessels, is designed to operate in the First Island Chain and beyond, where it could challenge U.S. and allied naval forces in the event of a regional crisis. The Zhou-class submarine is considered a key asset in this strategy, making its loss all the more consequential.
• Although China's shipbuilding has been impressive, the submarine sinking highlights the challenges the country faces in closing the technology gap with the United States. Underwater warfare has long been an advantage for the United States, and while China has made significant progress in recent years, it still lags behind in some areas, including submarine technology and training. . The incident at the Wuchang shipyard could force Beijing to reevaluate its approach to naval modernization.

What's next

• For now, the PLA Navy is likely focused on repairing the damaged submarine and conducting an internal review of the incident. However, the loss of the Zhou-class ship could lead to broader changes within China's naval program, including increased oversight and stricter quality control measures. The Chinese government has remained tight-lipped about the sinking and it is unlikely that any official acknowledgment will be made. However, the incident will undoubtedly weigh heavily on China's naval leadership, which continues to promote parity with the United States.
• At the same time, tensions between the United States and China are expected to remain high, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where the two countries compete for influence. The PLA submarine force will continue to play a key role in China's efforts to project power and deter U.S. intervention in the region. However, the sinking of the Zhou-class submarine is a stark reminder that China's naval modernization is not without its setbacks.

(With contribution from agencies)

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos