China unveils first deep-sea testing site

Base to boost equipment research and drive growth of marine economy

China unveiled its first deep-sea testing site in Hainan province on Sunday, which was World Oceans Day, to boost the research and development of deep-sea equipment and drive the growth of the marine economy, officials said.

"Deep-sea regions are crucial strategic resource areas for countries around the world, and deep-sea manufacturing stands as the linchpin for advancing deep-sea exploration and exploitation," Cui Xiaojian, deputy director of the Hainan Provincial Oceanic Administration, said in Haikou, the provincial capital.

Deep-sea regions are renowned for their abundant mineral, biological and energy resources. The testing site, located about 200 kilometers southeast of Sanya in Hainan, sits at water depths between 1,300 and 1,500 meters across 400 square km. Cui said the site will feature an integrated service platform encompassing technology research and development, testing verification, industrial incubation and certification evaluation.