China's Belt & Road Initiative nuclear export: Implications for energy cooperation

Abstract

Civil nuclear cooperation is a part of China's Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). Although the complex nature of nuclear technology and scale of the BRI program are likely to have substantial influences on the global nuclear landscape, research regarding the BRI nuclear cooperation is scarce. Given that paucity, our article aims at providing a fuller understanding of the program and policy implications. Distinctive parts include the BRI's economic dirigisme and new norms reflected to this nuclear cooperation, which draw a range of implications to the global nuclear future. Noting that the value of “win-win” is at the center of the BRI, this research highlights the need for a practical approach in the BRI nuclear cooperation and more emphasis on renewable energies. The roles of international community and regulators in the changing global nuclear market are also discussed.