China is reportedly developing a new ship - based nuclear power station , which is expected to be completed by 2016 and operational by 2020 and could provide electricity to remote sea locations , including the disputed South China Sea . Nuclear - powered ships can travel further and more cost - effectively that conventionally - fuelled ships . This could enable China to accelerate commercial development in the South China Sea , providing a new source of power for infrastructure . Regardless, this doesn’t bode well for those that have a territorial stake in the region. Despite the recent tribunal ruling against Beijing , this new development will concern neighbouring countries who have territorial claims in the region .
China is reportedly developing a new ship - based nuclear power station , which is expected to be completed by 2016 and operational by 2020 and could provide electricity to remote sea locations , including the disputed South China Sea . Nuclear - powered ships can travel further and more cost - effectively that conventionally - fuelled ships . This could enable China to accelerate commercial development in the South China Sea , providing a new source of power for infrastructure . Despite the recent tribunal ruling against Beijing , this new development will concern neighbouring countries who have territorial claims in the region .