Core Viewpoint - Japan's deep-sea rare earth mining initiative claims to have concentrations 20-30 times higher than China's land resources, with a total of over 16 million tons of rare earths, including dysprosium and yttrium, which could meet global demand for 730 and 780 years respectively. However, China views this as a routine operation, having already achieved deeper and more advanced deep-sea mining capabilities [6][8]. National Strategy Perspective: Why the 10,000-Meter Deep Sea is Crucial for China - The deep sea is a strategic area concerning resource security, technological competition, and geopolitical struggles, marking a core focus for China transitioning from a maritime power to a maritime strong power. In 2025, deep-sea technology was officially recognized as a strategic emerging industry in China's government work report, reflecting a culmination of over a decade of strategic development [11]. - The global demand for critical minerals like rare earths, cobalt, and nickel is projected to increase exponentially, with the International Energy Agency predicting a 3.5-fold increase by 2050 under net-zero scenarios. China, heavily reliant on imports for cobalt, faces vulnerabilities in its supply chain [12]. - The deep sea is a global mineral reserve, with the International Seabed Authority reporting approximately 50 trillion tons of polymetallic nodules, with the Pacific Ocean holding 80% of this. Control over deep-sea mining rights equates to control over future high-end industry resources [14]. Technological Competition: The Ultimate Test of National Strength - Deep-sea exploration is a complex system engineering challenge, comparable to space exploration. Achieving long-term controlled operations at 10,000 meters indicates a nation's advanced manufacturing and integration capabilities, serving as a testament to technological strength [15]. - The synergy between deep-sea and space technologies enhances capabilities, with satellite navigation and communication supporting deep-sea exploration, while mined resources feed into high-end manufacturing sectors like aerospace and semiconductors [16]. Geopolitical Struggles: The New Battlefield - Countries like the U.S., Germany, and India are increasingly investing in deep-sea exploration, with the market expected to reach $500 billion by 2030. The deep sea has become a new arena for geopolitical competition, where early technological and resource acquisition will dictate strategic advantages [17]. - Japan's mining activities in the disputed South Bird Island area raise legal questions regarding its exclusive economic zone status, while China is building its voice in deep-sea resource development through legitimate international cooperation and independent exploration [17]. Deep-Sea Challenges: Four Major "Death Challenges" and China's Solutions - The extreme environment at 10,000 meters poses significant challenges, including immense pressure, temperature fluctuations, corrosive conditions, and complex terrain, necessitating advanced materials and technologies [20][21][22]. - China is focusing on a dual breakthrough in materials and equipment, creating a comprehensive technology system that allows equipment to adapt proactively to deep-sea conditions, supported by breakthroughs in six key new materials [23]. Rise of Hidden Champions: Six Key New Materials Transitioning from Import Dependency to Global Leadership - Historically reliant on imports for deep-sea materials and core equipment, China has achieved self-sufficiency across the supply chain, with some technologies surpassing foreign capabilities, driven by hidden champion enterprises and research institutions [25]. - Key materials include pressure-resistant materials, corrosion-resistant alloys, buoyancy materials, sealing materials, and functional protective materials, all of which have seen significant advancements in domestic production and technology [35][46]. Comprehensive Industry Landscape: Core Matrix of China's Deep-Sea Materials Industry Chain - The deep-sea materials industry encompasses various categories, including pressure-resistant structures, corrosion-resistant materials, buoyancy materials, sealing materials, and functional protective coatings, with a focus on developing advanced materials tailored for extreme deep-sea environments [54].

Core Viewpoint - Japan's deep-sea rare earth mining initiative claims to have concentrations 20-30 times higher than China's land resources, with over 16 million tons of total rare earths, while China has already established advanced deep-sea mining capabilities and technologies, positioning itself as a leader in this strategic sector [6][8][9]. National Strategy Perspective: Why the Deep Sea is Crucial for China - The deep sea is a strategic area concerning resource security, technological competition, and geopolitical dynamics, marking a key step for China from a maritime power to a maritime stronghold [11]. - The demand for critical minerals like rare earths, cobalt, and nickel is projected to increase significantly, with the International Energy Agency forecasting a 3.5-fold rise by 2050 under net-zero scenarios [12]. - The deep sea is viewed as a "reserve" for global minerals, with the International Seabed Authority estimating around 50 trillion tons of polymetallic nodules, which could alleviate reliance on international supply chains [14]. Technological Competition: The Ultimate Test of National Strength - Deep-sea exploration is a complex system engineering challenge, comparable to space exploration, requiring advanced capabilities across multiple disciplines [15][16]. - The synergy between deep-sea and space technologies enhances national capabilities, with deep-sea mining supporting high-end manufacturing sectors like aerospace and semiconductors [16]. Geopolitical Dynamics: The New Battlefield - Countries like the U.S., Germany, and India are increasingly investing in deep-sea exploration, with the market expected to reach $500 billion by 2030 [17]. - Japan's mining activities in disputed waters raise legal questions, while China is building its voice in deep-sea resource development through legitimate international cooperation [17]. Deep-Sea Challenges: Four Major "Death Challenges" and China's Solutions - The extreme conditions at 10,000 meters deep present significant challenges, including high pressure, temperature variations, corrosive environments, and complex terrain [18][20][21][22]. - China is focusing on a dual breakthrough in materials and equipment, creating a comprehensive technology system that adapts to deep-sea conditions [23]. Rise of Hidden Champions: Six Key New Materials - China has transitioned from reliance on imports to achieving self-sufficiency in deep-sea materials and equipment, with several companies leading in this domain [24][25]. - Key materials include pressure-resistant alloys, corrosion-resistant materials, buoyancy materials, sealing materials, and functional protective materials, all tailored for deep-sea applications [36][46][49]. Comprehensive Industry Matrix: Core Structure of China's Deep-Sea Materials Industry - The industry encompasses various materials and technologies, including pressure-resistant structures, corrosion-resistant alloys, buoyancy materials, sealing materials, and biofouling-resistant coatings, all essential for deep-sea operations [54].