Abstract
Levers of Power: Russia-China Nuclear Power Cooperation
Emily Holland, U.S. Naval AcademyRussia’s state-owned Rosatom has become the undisputed leader in the sale and construction of nuclear power plants and is now responsible for over 65% of global sales. Recently, Russia signed a historic contract with China worth between $3 billion and $5 billion to provide for the construction of four third-generation nuclear power reactors. How does Rosatom’s participation in the Chinese market support Russia’s larger foreign policy goals? What does a new strategic energy partnership between Russia and China mean for the West? This paper argues that Rosatom’s Chinese partnerships are commercially driven, but that the proceeds from these crucial contracts help Russia finance other less commercially viable yet geopolitically significant projects.
Return to the Research Agenda