China has been caught trying to cover up an embarrassing blunder after its newest nuclear-powered submarine sank into the harbour while under construction. Beijing officials spent months attempting to hide the accident, until it was finally discovered by US satellite photography.

Imágenes satelitales mostraron el submarino nuclear de ataque más reciente de China se hundió junto a un muelle durante su construcción, dijo un alto funcionario de Estados Unidos el jueves.

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 Thursday.

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.