Beijing calls on US to clarify details of nuclear-powered submarine collision
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed its concern about an incident in the South China Sea in which a US submarine collided with an “unknown” object, sustaining significant damage and injuring several mariners.
Speaking on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian called on the US to clarify details concerning the USS ‘Connecticut’, a nuclearpowered Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine, which struck an unidentified object while submerged in the South China Sea on October 2.
Zhao requested that the US confirm the specific location of the accident, the vessel’s intentions and more details about the collision itself, including whether it caused a leak of nuclear material.
He said China and its neighbours had a right to question Washington over the incident and seek the truth. “The United States deliberately delayed and concealed details of the accident, demonstrating irresponsibility and a lack of transparency,” the spokesman told gathered media.