China, US, and Nuclear Energy Geopolitics in Southeast Asia
The article analyzes the growing strategic competition between China and the United States in nuclear reactor exports, particularly in Southeast Asia. China's 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes global leadership in nuclear energy governance and reactor exports. Simultaneously, the US, Japan, and South Korea announced a Memorandum of Cooperation at the NATO Summit to accelerate small modular reactor (SMR) deployment in the Indo-Pacific. Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam aim to operate their first reactors before 2035, while others are considering nuclear energy. The article contrasts the state-owned approach of China and Russia with the US private-sector model supported by government programs. It highlights challenges for new nuclear nations, including regulatory frameworks, safety culture, and long-term alignment with reactor suppliers. Russia leads in exports but faces sanctions-related delays, while China has built reactors only in Pakistan. The US offers capacity-building and financing tools but does not take back spent fuel.
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