WASHINGTON, DC (REUTERS) – China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, a senior U.S. defense official said on September 26, 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.

Hong Kong has welcomed a new pair of giant pandas from Beijing, An An and Ke Ke, raising hopes for a tourism boost. They are the third pair sent since 1997.

Pandas An An and Ke Ke, a gift from Beijing to Hong Kong, arrived in the Chinese territory on Thursday to much fanfare, with officials welcoming them at the city's international airport with a red carpet on the tarmac and panda toys.

Hong Kong will roll out the red carpet Thursday to receive two giant pandas gifted by the Chinese government to mark 75 years of Communist Party rule, part of a citywide push by authorities to deepen patriotism.