Kadoorie envisioned the plant as part of a "grand strategy" to enhance economic links with Mainland China and help to preserve British administration of Hong Kong.

[5] British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was enthusiastic about the plan and committed to the support of the UK Department of Industry.

[5] In 1985, the building of Daya Bay nuclear power plant incited controversy and led to objections from prominent politicians in nearby Hong Kong, such as Martin Lee and Szeto Wah, legislative councillors, district board members.

Over a hundred community groups brought discussion on the construction, with the opposition primarily focusing on environmental issues and the rights of Hong Kong residents.

[10][1] On 9 October 1987, the Hong Kong Legislative Council task force was informed that 316 steel reinforcing bars were missing from the reactor platform of Unit 1.

A Hong Kong Legislative Councillor, Jackie Chan, who was a civil engineer by trade criticised attempts to downplay the issue which focused on the fact that "only 2 per cent" of the total number of bars were missing.

[15] Mainland China news outlets also quoted officials explaining the situation, which was considered under normal operation conditions and fell below international standards for reporting.

The Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant also stood out as its staff are exposed to a minimal amount of radiation – only 0.8 millisieverts, the equivalent to an x-ray (which 1 out 400 people get every year in the general population).