Xinhua News Agency, Haikou, December 29 Title: A New Benchmark for China's Manned Deep Sea Diving! 1433 Deep Sea Expeditions

Xinhua News Agency reporters Chen Fang, Chen Kaizi, Zhao Yepin

"You only know the answer by exploring." This is a thought-provoking sentence from Jules Verne's "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."

On December 29, 2024, China's first independently designed and built deep-sea "scientific research + archaeological" vessel, "Exploration No. 3," was commissioned in Sanya, Hainan. China's manned deep-sea diving capability will expand from full-ocean depth to full-ocean area.

The deep sea, a place difficult for humans to reach. Globally, deep-sea manned submersibles present a significant hurdle.

The latest manned deep-sea diving "report card" shows that, as of now, China's manned submersibles have conducted a total of 1433 dives. According to information released by the National Deep Sea Base Management Center and the Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in the past year alone, the "Shenhai Yongshi" (Deep Sea Warrior) has made 132 dives. This marks a new chapter in China's manned deep-sea diving history and signifies that China's manned deep-sea diving maintenance capabilities have reached the forefront of the international community.

The light of dreams will not be obscured, even in the deepest ocean.

From the 7000-meter-class "Jiaolong" (Dragon), to the 4500-meter-class "Shenhai Yongshi", and then to the "Fendouzhe" (Striver) which reached a record depth of 10909 meters, China's manned deep-sea diving capabilities have continued to break through, with rapid technological iteration, and the story of conquering the deep sea continues to unfold.

What attracts China's deep-sea warriors to persevere?

Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans, yet countless mysteries remain unsolved.

The deep ocean abyss was once considered a "forbidden zone" for oceanographic research. The immense water pressure, extremely low temperatures, and complex environment have made it a daunting challenge. Even if Mount Everest were moved to the deepest part of the Mariana Trench, it would not be filled. The pressure at 10,000 meters is equivalent to 2000 adult elephants standing on one person's back.

The depths of the ocean conceal countless unknown life forms, which demonstrate the miracle of survival in the most primitive ways. The vast seabed holds rich mineral resources and amazing landscapes.

Aiming for "entering, exploring, and developing," marine technology must be self-reliant and strong, and Chinese submersibles continue to unlock "Chinese depths."

In the past three years, more than half of the world's manned deep-sea dives have been conducted by China! Ye Cong, director of the China Ship Scientific Research Center and chief designer of the "Fendouzhe", has been deeply involved in and witnessed the process of China's manned submersibles evolving from nothing to their current strength.

"Understanding the ocean allows for better development and protection of the ocean. We must rely on science and technology for answers, and we must enhance our ambition and resolve." Ye Cong said, having experienced incidents such as loss of communication between the submersible and the mother ship, electrical insulation failures, sudden breakage of the robotic arm oil pipe, and being covered by large amounts of sediment, countless amounts of sweat and hardship were required to overcome the challenges in developing manned submersibles.

In 2012, the "Jiaolong" successfully dived beyond its predetermined depth, and China began to master deep-sea manned submersible technology.

In 2017, the "Shenhai Yongshi" successfully passed its acceptance test, achieving independent core technology and domestication of key equipment.

In 2020, the "Fendouzhe", built by nearly 100 research institutes, universities, and enterprises, and nearly 1000 researchers, reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the "Earth's fourth pole", at a depth of 10909 meters!

The extremely harsh deep-sea environment poses world-class technological challenges to the submersible's pressure resistance, control performance, and communication systems.

Innovation means breaking through in "survival in desperate situations" and breaking through systemic and institutional limitations. In the eyes of Chinese researchers, "major national projects" must not only be built but also used well, with key technologies safeguarding deep-sea diving to enhance the ability to enter the deep sea.

Focusing on the frontiers of world science and technology, from the 863 Program and Support Program to the Key Research and Development Program; from the "Jiaolong", "Shenhai Yongshi", and to the "Fendouzhe", these are all key tasks supported by national scientific and technological programs.

In the face of challenges, bringing together land and aerospace high-tech forces to the sea, forming a large collaborative deep-sea science and technology innovation system, the "Fendouzhe" has a domestication rate of over 96.5%, vividly demonstrating the huge advantages of the new national system.

There are no flowers or applause on the vast ocean. Faced with "difficulties that cannot be found in textbooks," each deep-sea dive is a battle with nature and the spirit.

Ocean voyages often last tens or hundreds of days, with daily tasks including pulling ropes, carrying instruments, carrying equipment, and working in the engine room; before each dive, repeated troubleshooting and maintenance of the submersible are required, sometimes working all night to ensure every part is perfectly fitted; from submergence to surfacing, the submersible pilots and scientists spend the entire time, up to several hours, crammed in the narrow manned capsule.

High-frequency diving operations and the deployment and recovery of equipment pose serious challenges every day at sea. Even experienced personnel may experience seasickness and exhaustion in harsh sea conditions.

The risks of working at sea never disappear: if a submersible encounters a serious accident or mishap, resurfacing will be a difficult struggle; if a research vessel experiences an electrical leak or fire, it may even be necessary to abandon ship; in the face of typhoons and huge waves, the research team must fight against them.

Fear not the dangers! One dive a day, three dives in two days, six dives in four days... dreams and missions drive China's deep-sea personnel to constantly create new modes such as intensive dives and night dives.

In 2024, China completed its first manned deep-sea scientific research expedition in the Java Trench, its first manned deep-sea scientific research expedition in the Atlantic Ocean, and its first international voyage scientific research expedition in the western Pacific Ocean. To date, China's manned deep-sea operations have left their mark on eight major abyssal trenches around the world.

China's breakthrough in manned deep-sea diving is a feat that has propelled the progress of the world's deep-sea endeavors.

Dare to be the first! The key stage of "going from 0 to 1" was a journey of lonely heroes. Participants overcame the obstacles of multiple typhoons and experienced countless tests of stormy waves. More than 1400 manned deep-sea dives, striving to turn "impossible" into "definitely possible," the story of conquering the deep sea continues to unfold.

Relentless Deep Dive! The Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that China has established a deep-sea science discipline system, filling many gaps in ocean research, driving progress in new processes, technologies, and materials, and forging a tenacious team of submersible pilots, helping to achieve a leap from "following," "running alongside," to "leading" in deep-sea technological equipment.

Today, the "Exploration Three" is commissioned, which will support China in creating more world records in manned deep-sea operations and scientific research.

The "unsung heroes" of deep diving will also enter more seas, abysses, and polar deep seas, engraving the mark of the Chinese people in humanity's understanding, protection, and development of the ocean.

Towards the Deep Sea! The most exciting exploration is always the next one!