HAIKOU, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) — Headline: A New Milestone for China’s Manned Deep-Sea Exploration! Venturing into the Deep Sea 1,433 Times

Xinhua News Agency reporters Chen Fang, Chen Kaizi, and Zhao Yeping

“You can only find the answer by exploring.” This is a thought-provoking line from Jules Verne’s novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

On December 29, 2024, China’s first domestically designed and built deep-sea “scientific research plus archaeology” vessel, the “Explorer III,” was commissioned in Sanya, Hainan, marking a significant step forward as China’s manned deep-diving capabilities expand from full ocean depth to all maritime regions.

The deep sea is a realm that remains largely beyond human reach. Globally, manned deep-sea submersibles capable of operating at extreme depths represent an insurmountable frontier.

The latest report card on manned deep-sea diving shows that, to date, China’s manned submersibles have completed a cumulative total of 1,433 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 “Deep Sea Warrior” conducted 132 dives. This milestone has written a new chapter in China’s history of manned deep-sea exploration and underscores that the country’s capabilities in operating and maintaining manned submersibles now rank among the world’s best.

The light of dreams will never be extinguished, even in the deepest depths of the ocean.

From the 7,000-meter-class “Jiaolong” to the 4,500-meter-class “Deep Sea Warrior,” and now to the “Fendouzhe,” which has set a new record at 10,909 meters, China’s manned deep-sea diving capabilities have continuously advanced, its technological innovation has accelerated, and the saga of conquering the deep sea keeps unfolding.

What is it that inspires China’s deep-diving pioneers to pursue their goals with relentless dedication?

About 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, yet countless mysteries remain unsolved.

The deep ocean abyss was once considered a “no-go zone” for marine scientific research. The extreme water pressure, frigid temperatures, and complex conditions can be daunting. Even if Mount Everest were placed at the bottom of the Mariana Trench—the deepest part of Earth—it still wouldn’t fill the gap. A dive to 10,000 meters entails pressure equivalent to 2,000 adult elephants standing on one person’s back.

In the depths of the ocean lie countless unknown forms of life, each weaving its own survival saga in the most primordial ways. The vast seabed harbors abundant mineral resources and awe‑inspiring geological features.

Targeting “access, exploration, and development,” marine science and technology must achieve self-reliance and strength, as Chinese submersibles continue to break new ground in “China’s depth.”

Over 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” submersible, has played a pivotal role in and witnessed the remarkable journey of China’s manned submersibles—from their inception to their growing capabilities.

“Only by truly understanding the ocean can we better develop and protect it. We must turn to science and technology for answers, and we must strengthen our resolve and fortitude,” said Ye Cong. Having endured perilous situations—such as loss of communication between the submersible and its mother ship, electrical insulation failures, the sudden rupture of an arm‑mounted hydraulic line, and being buried under thick layers of sediment—he and his team, through countless hours of hard work and relentless effort, finally overcame the formidable challenges of developing a manned submersible.

In 2012, the Jiaolong submersible successfully descended to a depth exceeding its planned target, marking China’s acquisition of deep-sea manned submergence technology.

In 2017, the “Deep Sea Warrior” successfully passed its acceptance tests, achieving independent mastery of core technologies and domestic production of key equipment.

In 2020, the “Fendouzhe” submersible—developed through the concerted efforts of nearly 100 research institutes, universities, and enterprises, involving close to 1,000 scientists and engineers—plunged into the Mariana Trench, the “Fourth Pole of the Earth,” reaching a record depth of 10,909 meters.

The extreme and harsh deep-sea environment poses challenges to submersibles’ pressure resistance, maneuverability, and communication systems—each of which represents a world-class scientific and technological hurdle.

Innovation means breaking through in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges and achieving breakthroughs within institutional frameworks. In the eyes of Chinese researchers, “major national strategic assets” must not only be built but also put to effective use; with critical technologies providing robust support, our capability to venture into the deep sea will only grow stronger.

Facing the forefront of global science and technology, from the 863 Program and the Support Program to the Key R&D Program; from the “Jiaolong” submersible and the “Deep Sea Warrior” submersible to the “Striver” submersible—each has been a key task supported by national science and technology programs.

In the face of challenges, by pooling cutting-edge terrestrial and aerospace technologies to venture into the deep sea, China has established a comprehensive, collaboratively driven deep-sea science and technology innovation system. The “Fendouzhe” submersible boasts a domestic component‑content rate exceeding 96.5%, vividly demonstrating the profound advantages of the new national‑system approach.

On the vast ocean, there are no flowers or applause. Confronted with the predicament of finding no answers in textbooks, each deep-sea dive is a struggle—against nature and against oneself.

Embarking on long-distance voyages that often last dozens or even hundreds of days, they spend each day hauling ropes, carrying instruments, lifting equipment, and crawling through cramped engine rooms. Before every dive, they conduct meticulous troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs on the submersible—sometimes working through the night to ensure every component fits perfectly. From the moment they enter the water until they surface, the submersible’s pilots and scientists remain huddled in the narrow crew compartment for up to a dozen hours at a stretch.

Frequent diving operations and the deployment and recovery of equipment subject every day at sea to severe challenges. Even seasoned personnel may experience seasickness and physical exhaustion in adverse sea conditions.

The risks of working at sea have never gone away: if a submersible is involved in a serious accident or mishap, surfacing can be an arduous and perilous undertaking; should a research vessel suffer an electrical fault and catch fire, the crew may even have to abandon ship; and when confronted with typhoons and towering waves, the expedition team must fight to survive.

What fear of hardship! One dive a day, three dives in two days, six dives in four days… Dreams and mission drive China’s deep-sea explorers to continuously pioneer intensive diving schedules and nighttime deep dives.

In 2024, China successfully carried out its first manned deep-sea scientific expedition in the Java Trench, its first manned deep-sea expedition in the Atlantic Ocean, and its inaugural international cruise in the western Pacific. To date, China’s manned deep-diving operations have left their mark at all eight major abyssal trenches worldwide.

China’s breakthroughs in manned deep-sea exploration represent a monumental achievement that is advancing the global deep-sea endeavor.

Daring to lead the way! The critical “from zero to one” phase is the relentless march of lone pioneers. Researchers and test personnel braved the interference of multiple typhoons and endured countless trials amid towering waves. With more than 1,400 manned deep-sea dives, they have striven to turn “impossible” into “certain,” as the story of conquering the deep sea continues to unfold.

Unremitting deep-sea exploration! According to the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China has established a comprehensive disciplinary framework for abyssal science, filling numerous research gaps in the marine field, driving advances in new processes, technologies, and materials, and cultivating a resilient team of submersible pilots. These efforts have helped propel China’s deep-sea technological capabilities from “catching up” and “running alongside” to “leading the way.”

Today, the “Explorer III” was commissioned, poised to help China set new world records in manned deep-sea operations and scientific research.

The unsung heroes of deep-sea exploration will venture into even more marine regions, abyssal zones, and polar deep seas, leaving an indelible mark of China’s contribution to humanity’s understanding, conservation, and sustainable development of the oceans.

Venture into the deep sea! The most thrilling discoveries are always yet to come!