The incident was observed by satellites, with experts confirming it after reviewing satellite images.

According to the AP news agency, satellite images showed a submarine docked at the shipyard. On June 15, the submarine appeared to be either fully or partially submerged beneath the river's surface, surrounded by salvage equipment and cranes to prevent any oil leaks or leaks of “other” fuel materials.

Later, another submarine was seen at the same dock. However, it remains unclear whether it was the same vessel. It was also uncertain if the damaged submarine was loaded with nuclear fuel or whether its reactor was operational at the time of the accident. This is what Beijing must clarify.

“We are not aware of the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry in response to a question about the incident during a press conference in Beijing. An official from the U.S. responded: “It’s not surprising that the Chinese navy is covering this up.”

U.S. ACCUSATIONS OF CHINA COVERING UP NUCLEAR SUBMARINE SINKING

Despite limited details on the “Zhou” submarines, it appears that China is developing plans to upgrade older nuclear submarines, according to Defense News. Satellite images revealed a new type or subtype of Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine, equipped with advanced stealth propulsion systems and a vertical launch system for cruise missiles.

“I have a fairly high confidence that the submarine includes a series of vertical launch system (VLS) cells for missiles launched from submarines,” said a maritime expert.

Colin Koh from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore noted that Beijing is conducting research on jet propulsion for submarines based on previously published scientific literature, pointing to the event of submarines capable of launching cruise missiles against ships and conducting land attack missions, with Beijing’s efforts to achieve long-range strike capabilities.

Based on satellite images, if the rectangular section of the submarine is a group of VLS cells, it would align with the Pentagon's 2021 report on the possible construction of a “093B-class nuclear attack submarine with guided missiles,” Koh told Defense News.

The submarine displays prominent green spots on its hull, a cross-tail arrangement, and a possible jet pump propulsion system, indicating ongoing research by China to enhance stealth and operational capabilities. Beijing continues to develop its submarine capabilities and has recently been reported to have received assistance from Russia in this area.

According to the Pentagon's 2023 China Military Power Report, China possesses the largest navy in the world, with approximately 370 surface ships and submarines, including six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, one nuclear attack submarine, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. This number is expected to reach 65 submarines by 2025 and 80 by 2035.