China Nuclear-Blast-Resistant Floating Artificial Island

under construction

China is constructing a massive, nuclear-blast-resistant floating artificial island, a 78,000-tonne semi-submersible twin-hull platform designed for self-sustaining, long-term residency. The platform will accommodate 238 personnel for four months without resupply and is designed to operate in contested waters such as the South China Sea. It features a nuclear-blast-resistant design using metamaterial sandwich panels to absorb shock waves, and is equipped with emergency power, communications, and navigation control systems. The platform spans 138 metres in length and 85 metres in width, with a main deck 45 metres above the waterline, and can travel at 15 knots. It supports deep-sea observation, equipment testing, seabed resource studies, and advances China's blue economy agenda including marine renewable energy and climate research.