The sinking of China's first Zhou-class submarine represents a setback for Beijing as it continues to build out the world's largest navy.

China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine sank pierside in the spring and the Chinese Navy tried to conceal the loss, according to two US defense officials.

China’s ambitious nuclear-powered submarine program suffered a major setback earlier this year when a new Zhou-class submarine sank near a shipyard in Wuhan. -The submarine, featuring an advanced X-shape stern for improved maneuverability,

The U.S. official said it was "not surprising" that China's navy would conceal it. The submarine's current status is unknown.

China's Navy tried to hide that it's newest nuclear-powered submarine sank earlier this year, according to a CNN report citing two anonymous U.S. defense officials.

Satellite imagery showed that China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank alongside a pier while under construction, a senior U.S. defense official said.

China's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, a senior U.S. defense official said on Thursday, a potential embarrassment for Beijing as it seeks to expand its military capabilities.

A U.S. officials says China's newest nuclear-powered submarine in its fleet sank in spring while docked at a pier but Chinese government officials have taken steps to cover it up.

A Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine sank in its dock earlier this year while under construction, in a major setback for the Chinese military, according to US defence officials. Speaking on condition of anonymity to the BBC's US partner,

Building a potent nuclear submarine force would help China tighten control over its peripheral waters and improve its ability to seize Taiwan.