Nuclear merchant shipping offers a path to decarbonize trade, boost efficiency, and revive industries. The US is pursuing this, aiming to "dominate China," but crucially excluding China from talks. The author argues this omission is fatal, as China is the biggest shipbuilder and port operator. Success requires international cooperation, not an arms race. While nuclear ships are technologically feasible and economically compelling, regulatory and political hurdles, exacerbated by China's exclusion, threaten to derail this vital climate solution. Placing the planet's future over geopolitical rivalry is paramount for the concept to succeed.