Study: US 15 Years Behind China in Nuclear Power Technology

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Above: US President Joe Biden participates in a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Roosevelt Room of the White House on November 15, 2021 in Washington, DC.  Image copyright: Alex Wong/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • According to a study by the Washington-based Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, the US may have the world's largest number of nuclear plants, but it lags behind China by up to 15 years in the development of advanced nuclear power technology.

  • China is currently developing 27 reactors with an average construction timeline of seven years, which the study states is significantly faster than other countries.

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The Spin

Anti-China narrative

China's rapid nuclear expansion aligns with its aggressive military and economic strategies, aiming to back its global ambitions. With nuclear parity, China can coerce or constrain US actions, especially in crises, such as a conflict over Taiwan. Its expanded arsenal increases the risk of nuclear escalation, undermines US extended deterrence commitments to allies, and challenges the current US nuclear posture. Washington must prioritize addressing this threat to maintain strategic stability.

The Heritage Foundation

Pro-China narrative

The PRC is already developing productive and responsible fourth-generation nuclear power capabilities. Based on closely coordinated public-private partnerships, PRC nuclear technologies prioritize safety as well as impressive energy outputs. This level of innovation is not only driving China's surging energy sector but also catalyzing science and technology advancements in general.

XINHUA

Narrative C

There's no need to panic about China's rapid nuclear expansion, as it faces significant internal and external challenges. It's quickly building reactors, but its projects are less dominant than they appear. Renewables like wind and solar are scaling up faster and more cost-effectively. Additionally, inland construction barriers, public safety concerns, and limited water resources are bound to hinder progress. Due to financial and logistical hurdles, its nuclear exports are unlikely to surge.

New Security Beat

Metaculus Prediction

Go Deeper

US-China Conflict
US-China Conflict
context

Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO