U.S. Warns China May Add ‘Nuclear Element’ to South China Sea
- Pentagon flags report on floating nuclear power plants
- China still building military facilities in Spratlys: Pentagon
Photographer: DigitalGlobe/ScapeWare3d via Getty Images
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The Pentagon sounded a warning over China’s plans to introduce floating nuclear power plants on disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea, part of an annual report assessing the nation’s military strength.
“China’s plans to power these islands may add a nuclear element to the territorial dispute,” the Pentagon said in its 2018 report to Congress titled “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China.” “China indicated development plans may be underway to power islands and reefs in the typhoon-prone South China Sea with floating nuclear power stations; development reportedly is to begin prior to 2020.”