A state-owned Chinese company is moving ahead with plans to build multiple floating nuclear power plants that can provide stable electricity to offshore projects.

"The development of nuclear power platforms is a burgeoning trend," Liu Zhengguo of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) said in an interview with Global Times newspaper. "The exact number of plants to be built [by CSIC] depends on the market demand. Judging by various factors ... the demand is pretty strong."

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The state-run newspaper reported that the country's first ever floating nuclear plant is expected to be completed by 2018 and to be put into use by 2019.

"CSIC is the first company with the permission to construct the floating nuclear-powered vessel, and it aims to become the strongest builder of floating nuclear platforms within five years," said Wu Zhong, CSIC general manager.

Quoting analysts, Global Times wrote that the plant could significantly boost the efficiency of the country's ongoing offshore projects on South China Sea islands.  Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, however, dismissed the claim.

China is reportedly running land reclamation projects in the South China Sea. The country claims most of the South China Sea, putting a strain on relations with its Asia Pacific neighbors and United States.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday raised serious questions over China's intentions in the South China Sea.

"The United States and Vietnam share interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region. So does China. But its massive land reclamation projects in the South China Sea and increasing militarization of these outposts fuels regional tension and raise serious questions about China's intentions," Blinken said. 

Tagschina, nuclear, Floating Nuclear Power Plant, South China Sea