One of Britain’s potential Chinese partners in an £18 billion project to build a nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset is developing floating reactors to help to colonise disputed islands in the South China Sea. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), a state-owned company with close links to the Chinese military, is working on the design to construct as many as 20 marine reactors, which could be used to provide fresh water and electricity for civilian and military installations on the disputed Spratly Islands, which are claimed by China and other countries including Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. CNNC is developing the reactor technology “to support China’s effective control in the South China Sea,” according to the Global Times, a state-run Chinese newspaper. The Global Times claimed that the “marine nuclear power platforms will be used” in the islands and reefs of the Spratly chain in the contested sea “to ensure fresh water”.
Times 15th Aug 2016 read more »
A get-out clause could let Prime Minister Theresa May withdraw crucial funding for the controversial Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant project if she chose to use it. May recently kicked backed the government’s decision on the £18bn project — reportedly due to security concerns regarding Chinese investment. There are fears that its complete abandonment would spark a diplomatic row.
City AM 14th Aug 2016 read more »