China is making waves in the technology sector with its latest ambitious project: a floating artificial island in the Fujian region, home to the country’s aircraft carrier operations. Weighing approximately 78,000 tons, the island can move across the sea and is being built to withstand nuclear attacks using advanced metamaterial sandwich panels. The project underscores China’s focus on innovation while also raising strategic and defense implications.
The island will accommodate 238 personnel for up to four months without external supplies and can withstand Category 17 typhoons and waves of 6–9 meters in height. China aims to start operations by 2028, officially framing it as a scientific research facility. However, analysts note that its military-grade construction allows it to function as a strategic naval platform, capable of serving as a temporary or permanent military base, command hub, and maritime surveillance station in critical areas such as the South China Sea.
Experts say the project enhances China’s deep-sea research capabilities while strengthening its control over marine resources, biodiversity, and strategic maritime assets. The floating island could also act as a logistics and support platform for warships, submarines, and deep-sea drones, providing refueling, repairs, and rest facilities, and ensuring uninterrupted operations even during high-tension or wartime scenarios.