Chinese officials cover up sinking of country’s newest nuclear-powered submarine tied to pier

The Chinese government has reportedly covered up the sinking of its latest nuclear submarine while it was tied to a pier, and US officials say this is no surprise.

“It is not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to hide the fact that their new top-of-the-line nuclear-powered attack submarine sank at the dock,” a senior US defense official said. “Beyond the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the PLA’s internal responsibility and oversight of China’s defense industry, which has long been plagued by corruption.”

China’s first Zhou-class submarine likely sank between May and June, The Associated Press reported, citing information from an official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Satellite images showed cranes in the area that would have been needed to rescue the ship from the bottom of the river.

The incident reportedly forced Chinese authorities to rush to cover up the case, which had not been previously disclosed.

CHINA’S NEW ROLE FOR ITS NUCLEAR SUBMARINES HAS THE PENTAGON’S ATTENTION

Visitors walk on the decks of decommissioned submarines at the PLA Naval Museum in Qingdao, China. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

China has previously said it is building a world-class military so it can deter aggression and protect its interests overseas.

Last year, the Pentagon announced that it had discovered in a little-known report that the Chinese military had a policy of keeping at least one nuclear-capable submarine at sea at all times.

China has a fleet of six nuclear-capable submarines carrying missiles that could strike the continental US from the South China Sea.

AUSTRALIA COMMITS TO CONSTRUCTING A SUB-FLEET POWERED BY US NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY, DESPITE CRITICISM FROM FRANCE

China has adopted a policy of having at least one nuclear-capable submarine at sea at all times, straining U.S. resources. (Dana Jensen/The Day via AP, File)

The report on China’s new submarine activity came just as the US, Britain and Australia signed an agreement to produce and sell nuclear-powered attack submarines. Australia was also expected to buy the ships to modernize its fleet.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The attack submarines are prime candidates for tracking missile submarines like the ones China has deployed, and increasing Australia’s capabilities will take some pressure off US and British forces in the region.

Anders Hagstrom and Reuters of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.