South China Sea: Philippines fears Beijing’s floating nuclear plants could further militarise disputed waterway

The proposed energy facilities could be used to power military bases on the Chinese-built artificial islands, Philippine official says

Some of the features are within Manila’s exclusive economic zone and pose a threat to its security and interests, he adds

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Buildings and structures are seen on the artificial island built by China in Subi Reef in October 2022, in the South China Sea’s Spratly Islands. Photo: TNS

Published: 6:00pm, 8 May 2024Updated: 6:02pm, 8 May 2024

The Philippines has expressed fears over Beijing’s potential plans for installing floating nuclear power plants in the disputed South China Sea, saying the move could deepen militarisation of the waterway as maritime tensions between the two sides remain elevated.

Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council, said the proposed energy facilities would be used to power military bases located on the Chinese-built artificial islands.

Malaya said some of those features were within Manila’s exclusive economic zone and posed a threat to its security and interests.

“It is not in our interest that they are doing this. They are, in effect, further militarising the islands,” he said.

Philippine coastguard personnel aboard their rigid inflatable boat speeding past a Chinese coastguard ship after conducting a survey at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. Photo: AFP

Malaya’s remarks came after John Aquilino, who last week retired as the top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific, said “China’s intended use of floating nuclear power plants has potential impacts to all nations in the region”.