China is reportedly developing a new ship-based nuclear power station, which is expected to be completed by 2018 and operational by 2019 and could provide electricity to remote sea locations, including the disputed South China Sea. “Nuclear power, however, is cost-effective and the fuel only needs to be recharged every year-and-a-half. The Chinese government has also been working on plans for an underwater city in the Paracel Islands, where it would build facilities that will allow its military forces to operate from within waters claimed by China. 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 capability will concern neighbouring countries who share territorial claims in the region.
China is reportedly developing a new ship-based nuclear power station, which is expected to be completed by 2018 and operational by 2019 and could provide electricity to remote sea locations, including the disputed South China Sea. The Chinese government has also been working on plans for an underwater city in the Paracel Islands, where it would build facilities that will allow its military forces to operate from within waters claimed by China. 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 capability will concern neighbouring countries who share territorial claims in the region.