The International Business Times (“IBT”) reports that China lost its most advanced nuclear-powered submarine earlier this year in a naval yard accident, raising concerns that the country may be overextending itself as it strives to build a navy capable of matching the strength of the United States.
The submarine, belonging to the new Zhou-class — the People’s Liberation Army’s (“PLA”) first line of nuclear-powered attack submarines — sank at a shipyard near Wuhan in late May or early June, according to the Wall Street Journal. China has remained silent about the event while continuing to promote its ‘maritime superiority’ in the South China Sea, with particular focus on the potential for a Taiwan invasion.
The IBT article may be read in full HERE.
Fox News reports that the Chinese government covered up the sinking of its newest nuclear-powered submarine as it sat tied to a pier, which had not been previously disclosed.
China’s first Zhou-class submarine likely sank between May and June 2024, when satellite images showed the presence of multiple cranes in the area, presumably to salvage the vessel from the bottom of the river.
The Fox News article may be read in full HERE.
The Associated Press (“AP News”) is also reporting on this matter, stating that 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. Beijing has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, which is crucial to international trade.
Meanwhile, China faces longtime territorial disputes involving others in the region including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The United States has sought to strengthen ties with its allies in the region and regularly sails through those waters in operations to assert and maintain the freedom of navigation, angering Beijing.
The AP News article may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, this incident apparently did not release radiation, as it is unclear if the submarine was fueled, but it goes to show that China is anything but transparent — a hallmark of communist and dictatorial governments — and that the PLA is not relenting in its efforts to substantially boost its military capabilities, representing a political and military threat to its neighbors, the United States, and most immediately, Taiwan.
Freedom comes not through brute force (e.g., military power) but through faith in Almighty God, the Creator of all that was created (see Isaiah 40:28-31). Sadly, civil government and even military action are realities necessary to sustain societal decency and order in our fallen world, but TRUTH and POWER belong to the Lord (see John 14:6 and 1 Corinthians 1:18), not the lying lips of governmental leaders and temporary military victories or high-powered weapons. It will all be laid to waste upon the return of Jesus!
In the meantime, we seek the Lord to hear His voice and know the truth, as we have the mind of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 2:16). We do not fear, as Jesus tells us that He has overcome the world (see John 16:33). We can trust in the joy of our salvation, which is the gift of God to those who are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Amen!
Here are the above-referenced scriptures:
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NKJV)
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, [t]he Creator of the ends of the earth, [n]either faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, [a]nd to those who have no might[,] He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, [a]nd the young men shall utterly fall, [b]ut those who wait on the Lord [s]hall renew their strength; [t]hey shall mount up with wings like eagles, [t]hey shall run and not be weary, [t]hey shall walk and not faint.”
John 14:6 (NKJV)
“Jesus said to [Thomas], ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:16 (Amplified Bible)
“For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].”
John 16:33 (NKJV)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”