China’s manned submersible Jiaolong will attempt a 7,000-meter dive in the Mariana Trench, stated the State Oceanic Administration.
This year the submersible managed to reach 5,188 meters below the sea during its deepest dive in the Pacific Ocean.
Head of the State Oceanic Administration, Liu Cigui, stated that China wants to construct deep-sea technologies and equipment, as well as comprehensive research ships, mothership of manned undersea grafts, and deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicles.
He also stated that China intends to make improvements in polar research and surveying in the international seabed ore deposit areas.
In 2010, Jiaolong submersible accomplished a 3,759 meters dive in the South China Sea, making China the fifth country able to send a man 3,500 meters below sea level.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff, May 29, 2012