China's Nuclear Submarine Sinks, Raising Questions on Military Readiness

China's latest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, a senior U.S. defense official disclosed, posing a potential embarrassment for Beijing. The incident raises questions about the quality of China's military equipment and training, as well as transparency within the People's Liberation Army. The United States and China have been engaging in talks to stabilize military ties.

China's latest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, a senior U.S. defense official said on Thursday, potentially embarrassing Beijing as it aims to boost its military might.

China boasts the world's largest navy with over 370 ships and is investing in new nuclear-armed submarines. The unnamed U.S. defense official revealed that the first-in-class submarine sank next to a pier between May and June.

The Chinese embassy in Washington said they had no information. The incident, whose cause remains unclear, raises questions about the People's Liberation Army's training standards and equipment quality. Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed the situation via intelligence, and satellite images showed related activity at Wuchang shipyard. The U.S. and China are trying to stabilize military ties, underscored by recent talks.

(With inputs from agencies.)