China's Revolutionary Nuclear-Resistant Artificial Floating Island: Engineering Marvel Set for 2028 Completion

China is currently constructing a groundbreaking 78,000-tonne artificial floating island engineered to endure nuclear blasts. This innovative structure features a mobile, semi-submersible, twin-hull platform capable of supporting 238 individuals for four months without requiring additional supplies.

The massive infrastructure, comparable in size to China's Fujian aircraft carrier, is scheduled to be fully operational by 2028. Remarkably resilient, it can withstand severe maritime conditions including rough seas with 6-9 meter waves and category 17 typhoons, which represent the most powerful tropical cyclones classified.

"We're racing to complete the design and construction, aiming for operational status by 2028," stated Lin Zhongqin, the academician spearheading the project, in an interview with Economic Information Daily.

According to the South China Morning Post, scientists have revealed that the facility utilizes specialized "metamaterial" sandwich panels that effectively convert "catastrophic shocks into gentle squeezes."

"This deep-sea major scientific facility is designed for all-weather, long-term residency," explained the research team led by Professor Yang Deqing from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU).

"Its superstructure contains critical compartments that ensure emergency power, communications and navigation control – making nuclear blast protection for these spaces absolutely vital," the team emphasized.

Formally designated as the Deep-Sea All-Weather Resident Floating Research Facility, this project represents China's "far-sea floating mobile island" and culminates a decade of intensive research and planning efforts.

The artificial island will measure 138 metres in length and 85 metres in width, featuring a main deck positioned 45 metres above the waterline.

While China characterizes the platform as civilian scientific infrastructure, its design notably references GJB 1060.1-1991 – a military specification for nuclear blast resistance. This indicates the structure has been engineered to withstand the worst-case scenario of nuclear attacks.