China Plans Deep-Sea Research Station South China Sea

China has officially approved the construction of a deep-sea research facility, dubbed a 'deep-sea space station,' in the South China Sea, which is set to be operational by 2030. This advanced installation will be located 2,000 meters below the ocean surface and will focus on studying cold seep ecosystems rich in methane, potentially serving energy research and climate science. The facility will accommodate six scientists for month-long missions and will be equipped with advanced life-support systems and a permanent monitoring network. Additionally, it will integrate with China's extensive underwater fiber-optic network and work alongside unmanned submersibles and surface ships to provide comprehensive data on the region. This initiative marks China's shift from a maritime follower to a leader in deep-sea research, amidst ongoing territorial disputes in the strategically significant area. The station's findings could also lead to significant advancements in understanding deep-sea biodiversity and unique life forms.