China plans to float nuclear reactors in South China sea seen as risky.

What has just happened? Why in the recent news?

The USA military has warned that China is moving forward with development of floating nuclear reactors in the South China sea to bolster its claim to disputed maritime territory. Analysts say the plan to build ships with mobile nuclear power sources would raise tensions with its neighbours and pose risks to the environment.

What is floating nuclear reactor?

Chinese media reports described the marine nuclear power platforms as small plants inside ships that would act as a mobile power banks at sea for stationary facilities & other ships.

Beijing had suspended the project a year ago over safety & effectiveness concerns reported the South China Morning Post.

But the outgoing of the USA Indo-Pacific command & state Department officials this month said China is still building the floating reactors to supply power to disputed islands, the Washington Post reported. Although USA officials hold the post the deployment of such reactors would take several years, Admiral John Aquilino said their development would undermine regional security & stability.

Why its a matter of concern?

Beijing claims control over almost the entire South China Sea, putting it in dispute with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan & Vietnam. China has already built artificial islands with airport runways to strengthen its claims. Analysts say Beijing's floating reactors would not only strengthen its military presence in the area but also give them an excuse to extend its rich its reach through security actions. The current military security zone for China's artificial island is a radius of 500 m (1640 feet) meaning other aircraft & ships that enter this radius can be legitimately expelled. If China deploys a floating nucleear powerplant in the South China Sea, it could use the excuse of protecting the environment from radioactive pollution to drive away ships from a larger area or to take defensive measures. For Beijing he said it kills 2 birds with 1 stone. It is a win-win strategy. It can strengthen its military presence civilian use & claim to sovereignty. But the potential for radiation leaks is a real concern says analysts. 

Huge disaster in making China's lack of experience in operating such floating reactors could spell disaster. It is a threat because it will contaminate water and also surrounding areas he said. Any radiation leak make the island uninhabitable & might also impact fisherman from the South China Sea. Analysts note in the event of conflict with China, the floating reactors could also become military targets China has deployed radars anti-ship & anti-aircraft missiles and fighter jets among other weapons on the disputed territories of mischief Reef, subi Reef and fierry cross, the 3 largest artificial island in the spratly islands. The floating nuclear power plants could also 1 day extend China's weapons capabilities. Laser weapons that could knock down missiles and aircraft or very powerful microwave weapons could also disable missiles & air craft that would get within their range.

Concerns for Philippines

Philippines last week echoed those concerns. Philippines National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said China would use its floating reactors to power military bases it has built on artificial islands, including those within the Philippines exclusive economic zone. He told local media that China's nuclear plants would further militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea.Anything that supports their military presence in those islands is technically a threat to our National Security and against our interests, he said. Adding that Australia & the USA would be among Manila's allies conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea.

Any other country building floating nuclear plant?

China is not the first country to look at building floating nuclear reactors. USA took the lead in proposing the concept as early as 1970 but due to safety concerns did not quickly pursue developement. Russia is the only country that has brought a floating nuclear power plant to fruition with the Akademik Lomonosov plant producing electricity & heating since 2020 from a harbour in Pevek, a town in Arctic circle. The International Atomic Energy Agency at the November forum in Vienna expressed concern about the development of floating nuclear reactors. Particularly when they cross International borders or operate in International waters

Intetnational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted Canada, China, Denmark, South Korea, Russia & USA are each working or marine based small nuclear reactor designs.