China is rapidly advancing in nuclear power, constructing reactors at a pace and cost efficiency that surpasses the United States, which has struggled with delays and budget overruns in its nuclear projects. With ambitions to become the leading global supplier of nuclear energy, China is also innovating in next-generation nuclear technologies while the U.S. focuses on private sector-driven nuclear expansion. As concerns about climate change grow, the competition between the two nations in nuclear energy has significant geopolitical implications.