Group 1 - The joint scientific expedition to the Atacama Trench, led by China and Chile, aims to explore the trench's biodiversity, chemical ecosystems, deep fluid activities, and subduction mechanisms, with a maximum depth exceeding 8000 meters [1][2] - The Atacama Trench, also known as the Peru-Chile Trench, is the longest trench in the world, stretching approximately 5900 kilometers, characterized by high surface water productivity, active bottom structure, and dense benthic life, yet remains underexplored scientifically [1] - The expedition is part of China's international scientific initiative, the "Global Abyss Exploration Program," highlighting the growing depth of Sino-Chilean relations and the spirit of global cooperation in marine science [2] Group 2 - The "Exploration No. 1" research vessel is equipped with China's independently developed "Fendouzhe" manned submersible, which is currently the only submersible in the world capable of deep-sea operations at depths of 10,000 meters [2] - An open day event was held on the "Exploration No. 1" vessel, allowing local Chilean citizens, researchers, and media to learn about China's advanced marine research equipment and technology [2]

Core Viewpoint - The joint scientific expedition to explore the Atacama Trench, led by China and Chile, aims to investigate various aspects of the trench, including biodiversity and geological mechanisms, highlighting the growing collaboration between the two countries in scientific research [1][2]. Group 1: Expedition Details - The expedition officially set sail from Valparaíso, Chile, on January 19, with the Chinese research vessel "Exploration No. 1" [1]. - The main objectives of the expedition include exploring the biodiversity, chemosynthetic ecosystems, deep fluid activities, and subduction mechanisms of the Atacama Trench, which reaches depths of over 8,000 meters [1]. - The Atacama Trench, also known as the Peru-Chile Trench, is approximately 5,900 kilometers long and is characterized by high productivity in surface waters, active bottom structures, and dense benthic life, yet remains underexplored scientifically [1]. Group 2: International Collaboration - This expedition is part of the "Global Abyss Exploration Program," an international scientific initiative led by China [2]. - The Chinese Ambassador to Chile emphasized that this scientific endeavor exemplifies the deepening relationship between China and Chile and aligns with the United Nations' initiative for sustainable ocean science [2]. - The "Exploration No. 1" vessel is equipped with the "Fendouzhe" manned submersible, the only submersible in the world capable of deep-sea operations at depths of 10,000 meters [2].

Core Insights - The "Fighter" manned submersible has embarked on an international mission under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, focusing on the global abyss exploration plan [1] - In 2025, China's three manned submersibles completed a total of 321 dives, with the "Fighter" achieving the highest number at 118 dives, marking a significant advancement in China's deep-sea exploration capabilities [1] - The mission to the Arctic involved a 98-day journey covering over 15,000 nautical miles, with 43 dives conducted, establishing China as the only country capable of continuous manned deep-sea dives in densely ice-covered Arctic regions [1][15] Submersible Operations - The "Fighter" submersible successfully reached the deepest point of the Arctic at 5,277 meters, collecting valuable rock, biological samples, and observational data crucial for studying Arctic climate change and deep Earth mantle activities [15] - The mission faced unprecedented challenges during the recovery of the submersible, taking nearly three hours due to ice coverage, highlighting the difficulties of operating in extreme conditions [4][6] - The research team adapted their strategy from "ship finding submersible" to "submersible finding ship" due to the lack of satellite signal coverage, utilizing domestic ice-breaking radar and acoustic communication systems [8] Technological Advancements - The "Fighter" has undergone multiple technological upgrades during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, including a secondary release device that allows it to hover at a depth of 300 meters before safely ascending, facilitating deep-sea exploration in extreme polar regions [17] - The operational capabilities of China's manned submersibles have significantly advanced over the past two decades, positioning the country at the forefront of global deep-sea exploration [17][19] Research Contributions - The exploration of the Gakkel Ridge, characterized by its ultra-slow expansion, provides a unique natural laboratory for studying Earth's deep structure, with the "Fighter" being the first manned submersible to conduct scientific research in this area [2][12] - The mission's success in achieving 32 dives within 29 days demonstrates the team's efficiency and adaptability in a challenging environment, contributing to a better understanding of geological processes [12][15]

Core Insights - The "Fighter" manned submersible has embarked on an international mission under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, focusing on deep-sea exploration [2] - In 2025, China's three manned submersibles completed a total of 321 dives, with the "Fighter" achieving the highest number at 118 dives, marking a significant advancement in China's deep-sea exploration capabilities [2][5] - The mission included a historic journey to the Arctic, where the "Fighter" successfully conducted dives in areas with over 80% ice coverage, making China the only country capable of continuous manned deep-sea dives in such conditions [2][3] Submersible Operations - The "Fighter" submersible reached a depth of 5,277 meters in the Arctic, collecting valuable rock, biological samples, and observational data crucial for studying climate change and geological processes [5] - The mission faced unprecedented challenges during the recovery of the submersible, requiring innovative strategies to adapt to the harsh conditions of the Arctic ice [3][4] - The team successfully adjusted their approach from "ship finding submersible" to "submersible finding ship," utilizing domestic ice-breaking radar and acoustic communication systems to ensure safe recovery [3][4] Technological Advancements - The "Fighter" has undergone significant technological upgrades, including a secondary release device that allows it to hover at a depth of 300 meters before safely ascending, enhancing its operational capabilities in extreme environments [5] - The advancements in China's manned submersible technology have positioned the country at the forefront of global deep-sea exploration, transitioning from deep-sea to all ocean types within just five years [5] Research Contributions - The exploration of the Gakkel Ridge, characterized by its slow expansion rate, provides critical insights into Earth's deep mantle and evolutionary history, with the "Fighter" being the first manned submersible to conduct research in this area [3][4] - The mission's success is expected to yield a wealth of samples that will be valuable for both domestic and international scientific communities, highlighting China's growing capabilities in deep-sea research [5][6]

Core Insights - The "Fendouzhe" manned submersible has embarked on an international mission under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, marking a significant advancement in China's deep-sea exploration capabilities [1] Group 1: Mission Achievements - In 2025, China's three manned submersibles completed a total of 321 dives, with "Fendouzhe" leading at 118 dives, achieving regular manned deep-sea operations at depths of 10,000 meters [1] - The "Fendouzhe" submersible successfully conducted 43 dives during its 98-day Arctic expedition, making China the only country capable of continuous manned deep-sea operations in areas with over 80% ice coverage [1][16] - The mission resulted in the collection of valuable geological samples, including basalt from the Gakkel Ridge, which is crucial for understanding Earth's evolutionary history [3][16] Group 2: Technological Innovations - The "Fendouzhe" submersible has undergone various technological upgrades, including a secondary release device that allows it to hover at a depth of 300 meters before safely ascending, facilitating deep-sea operations in extreme conditions [18] - The collaboration between the submersible and the icebreaker "Exploration III" established a new mobile ice diving model, enhancing operational efficiency in the Arctic [16] Group 3: Research Contributions - The mission provided critical data and samples that will support research on Arctic climate change, evolutionary mechanisms of life, and deep mantle activities [16] - The successful dives in the Gakkel Ridge area, previously unexplored by manned submersibles, have positioned China as a leader in deep-sea scientific research [13][20]

Core Insights - In 2025, China's three manned submersibles are expected to complete a total of 314 manned deep-sea dives, indicating a continuous improvement in the application level of manned submersibles [1] - The "Jiaolong" submersible team achieved China's first manned deep dive in the Arctic ice zone in 2025, innovating a collaborative underwater operation model with the "Fendouzhe" submersible [2] - The "Fendouzhe" submersible team conducted China's first manned deep dive scientific expedition in densely packed Arctic ice, expanding the scope of manned deep diving from the ocean's bottom to all marine areas [4] - The "Deep Sea Warrior" submersible executed 18 deep-sea archaeological applications in the South China Sea, marking the first collaborative operation between manned and unmanned submersibles for efficient underwater shipwreck investigations [6] - By 2026, the cumulative number of dives by China's three manned submersibles is expected to exceed 2000, with plans for more domestic and international joint scientific expeditions during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [7]

Core Viewpoint - The annual meeting of the user committee for China's major scientific infrastructure "Manned Submersible and Offshore Operation Mother Ship" was held, outlining the application status of three manned submersibles for 2025 and preliminary plans for 2026 [1] Group 1: Manned Submersible Operations - In 2025, it is expected that a total of 314 manned deep dives will be completed, with "Jiaolong" expected to dive 93 times, "Deep Sea Warrior" having already completed 106 dives, and "Fighter" having completed 115 dives [2] - The "Jiaolong" team completed China's first manned deep dive in the Arctic ice zone in 2025, innovating a collaborative underwater operation model with "Fighter" [4] - The manned deep diving capability has expanded from "full ocean depth" to "full ocean area," supported by the domestically designed ice-capable mother ship "Exploration No. 3" [6] Group 2: International Collaboration and Research - The "Fighter" submersible is advancing the "Global Abyss Exploration Plan," organizing the first international joint expedition for manned deep diving in the Puysegur Trench [8] - In 2025, "Deep Sea Warrior" conducted 18 deep-sea archaeological dives in the underwater cultural heritage protection area of the northwestern slope of the South China Sea, marking the first collaborative operation between manned and unmanned submersibles [9] Group 3: Future Projections - The cumulative number of dives by China's three manned submersibles is expected to exceed 2,000 by 2026, with a total of 1,746 dives completed to date [10] - During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, more domestic and international joint scientific expeditions are anticipated, promoting international scientific cooperation and advancing deep-sea research and technology development [10]

Core Insights - The deep sea holds untapped treasures that require advanced technology for exploration and development [1] Group 1: Technological Advancements - The "Deep Sea Warrior" and "Fighter" manned submersibles have significantly contributed to deep-sea archaeology and scientific research, with "Deep Sea Warrior" completing 858 dives and "Fighter" 441 dives as of September this year, showcasing international leadership in operational capacity [2][4] - The "Global Abyss Exploration Plan," initiated during the 14th Five-Year Plan, has attracted numerous domestic and international research teams, establishing a foundation for China's leadership in deep-sea science [4][11] Group 2: Research and Discoveries - The latest expedition of "Deep Sea Warrior" aims to conduct archaeological excavations at a shipwreck site in the South China Sea, utilizing a new universal mapping platform to enhance underwater detection efficiency [5][7] - The "Global Abyss Exploration Plan" has involved 145 scientists from 10 countries, leading to systematic research on nine major oceanic trenches and significant scientific discoveries [11][23] Group 3: International Collaboration - The recognition of the "Global Abyss Exploration Plan" by the United Nations as part of the "Ocean Decade" highlights China's manned submersible capabilities on the international stage [11][13] - Initial skepticism from international scientists regarding China's deep-sea equipment has been overcome through successful collaborations, leading to significant sample collections and research advancements [20][21] Group 4: Future Directions - The "Deep Sea Warrior" will focus on complex tasks such as deep-sea archaeology and rescue operations, while "Fighter" will lead international scientists in systematic studies of global abysses and polar underwater research [27]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights China's advancements in deep-sea exploration technology, focusing on two key manned submersibles, "Deep Sea Warrior" and "Fighter," which are crucial for unlocking the treasures of the deep sea and supporting various scientific endeavors [1][3]. Group 1: Technological Advancements - The "Deep Sea Warrior" submersible has completed 858 dives, while the "Fighter" has completed 441 dives, showcasing their international leading operational capabilities [3]. - The "Deep Sea Warrior" has undergone significant upgrades, including a mechanical arm with double the weight capacity and enhanced maneuverability, allowing for more complex tasks [11]. - The "Fighter" has introduced a secondary release device, enabling it to hover at a depth of 300 meters during ascent, facilitating various scientific explorations [13]. Group 2: Scientific Exploration Initiatives - The "Global Abyss Exploration Plan," launched during the 14th Five-Year Plan, has attracted numerous domestic and international research teams, establishing a foundation for China to gain a competitive edge in deep-sea science [5][15]. - This plan has involved 145 scientists from 10 countries, conducting systematic research on nine major oceanic trenches, leading to significant scientific discoveries [15]. - The "Deep Sea Warrior" is set to undertake archaeological missions, such as the excavation of a sunken ship in the South China Sea, utilizing advanced underwater photography and mapping techniques [7][9]. Group 3: Future Directions - The two submersibles are expected to continue expanding China's marine exploration capabilities, with the "Deep Sea Warrior" focusing on complex tasks like underwater archaeology and rescue operations, while the "Fighter" will lead international research on global deep-sea environments [21]. - New generation deep-sea detection spectrometers are being developed to enhance the understanding of the underwater environment, reflecting ongoing innovation in deep-sea research equipment [17]. - The achievements in deep-sea exploration are paving the way for China to establish its own path in marine science, emphasizing the nation's commitment to advancing its technological prowess in this field [19][21].

Core Insights - An international research team led by the Deep Sea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has discovered the deepest known chemosynthetic life community at a depth of 9,533 meters in the Northwest Pacific Ocean [1][2] - The research utilized the "Fendouzhe" manned submersible to directly observe the largest and deepest chemosynthetic life community, primarily composed of deep-sea tube worms and bivalve mollusks [1] - This discovery may reveal new metabolic pathways and extreme pressure adaptation mechanisms, contributing to the understanding of life in the abyssal zone [1] Research Program - The study is part of the Global Hadal Exploration Programme (GHEP), a 10-year international research initiative aimed at uncovering the mysteries of Earth's deep-sea regions [2] - The research team has planned additional exploration missions to further investigate the global distribution patterns of chemosynthetic ecosystems and their potential impact on the global carbon cycle [2]