How Russia, China Use Nuclear Reactors To Win Global Influence

Defense One  July 13, 2018
Russia and China are using nuclear power projects to build spheres of energy dependence, and the United States is unprepared to respond. Russia bids for such projects through its state-owned nuclear company, Rosatom, under a model that finances construction of nuclear plants, furnishes the trained personnel to run them, and leases them back to the client country. This has allowed Russia to secure 60 percent of the recent global nuclear reactor sales. China has identified 41 countries along the Belt and Road as potential sites for nuclear power projects. China also aims to establish long-term contracts for the construction and operation of nuclear plants and captures new markets by covering upfront costs and providing technology and construction services. Beijing is covering 82 percent of the reactor costs in Pakistan, and 33 percent of the United Kingdom’s Hinkley Point project… read more.