US Warns of New Nuclear Threat from China

WASHINGTON – The United States (US) considers China’s plan to deploy a floating nuclear reactor that can power military facilities as a threat to regional security.

The US’ fears were revealed in a Washington Post report on Thursday (2/5/2024).

After more than a decade of research and development, China is said to be getting closer to building its first floating nuclear power plant.

Beijing has said the facility can provide electricity and heating to remote areas, islands and offshore oil and gas platforms.

US officials claim Beijing will use floating reactors to power military bases on artificial islands it is building in the South China Sea.

According to the US, these actions would “disrupt the stability” of the entire Asia-Pacific.

“China’s intended use of floating nuclear power plants has potential impacts on all countries in the region,” said Admiral John Aquilino, who heads US Indo-Pacific Command, as quoted by the Washington Post.

Although US officials say China is still several years away from deploying its troops, US concerns have been described as “great.”

A senior State Department official told the outlet that the closer Beijing gets to deploying floating nuclear reactors, “the sooner they will use them for purposes inimical to (US) national security.”