The sinking of China's newest nuclear-powered submarine is concealed by Chinese officials.

The sinking of China's newest nuclear-powered submarine was reportedly covered up by the Chinese government, and U.S. officials say it is unsurprising.

"The PLA Navy's attempt to conceal the sinking of their new nuclear-powered attack submarine raises questions about their training standards, equipment quality, internal accountability, and oversight of China's defense industry, which has a history of corruption, a senior U.S. Defense official stated."

According to an anonymous official source, China's first Zhou-class submarine is believed to have sunk between May and June, as reported by The Associated Press. Satellite images indicate the presence of cranes in the area necessary for salvaging the vessel from the river bottom.

The matter, which had not been previously disclosed, was reportedly forced to be covered up by Chinese authorities due to the incident.

Previously, China has stated that it is developing a top-notch military in order to prevent aggression and safeguard its global interests.

The Pentagon disclosed last year that China's military maintains a policy of keeping at least one nuclear-capable submarine at sea at all times, as stated in a little-known report.

The South China Sea hosts a fleet of six nuclear-capable submarines from China, equipped with missiles capable of reaching the continental U.S.

The U.S., U.K., and Australia agreed to produce and sell nuclear-powered attack submarines, with Australia also expected to purchase the vessels to modernize its fleet. Meanwhile, a report on China's new submarine activity was released.

Tracking missile submarines like those China has deployed can be done effectively with attack submarines, and increasing Australia's capabilities will ease the burden on U.S. and U.K. forces in the region.

Planet Chronicle Digital’s Anders Hagstrom and Reuters contributed to this report.