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 .
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-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 capability will concern neighbouring countries who share territorial claims in the region.