The Chinese government is in early-stage talks to buy a big minority stake in Britain’s fleet of nuclear power stations, The Sunday Times can reveal.

China General Nuclear (CGN), the country’s state-run nuclear giant, is understood to have made an approach about acquiring a share of up to 49% in the eight power stations, which generate a fifth of the nation’s electricity. The stake, worth up to £4bn, is being sold by Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, and the French giant EDF.

The move highlights China’s ambitions to become a global player in nuclear energy. It will present a huge challenge for Theresa May. The prime minister is deeply wary of granting the Chinese greater access to critical infrastructure and has initiated a