In 2022, Chinese vessels were already expanding their survey areas, but 2024 saw even greater activity. For instance, the research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 6 conducted extensive surveys around Guam—an area of vital interest to the U.S. military—examining seabeds larger than the territory of the United Kingdom. These operations target strategically significant waters, raising concerns among neighboring nations and the United States.
Beyond marine research for ecological and scientific purposes, these expeditions are thought to bolster China's military positioning. Experts assert that the findings from these research activities may inform naval strategies, such as submarine deployment and anti-stealth operations targeting U.S. submarines.
Bruce Jones, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, remarks, “It is striking to see the rapidity with which China is catching up, at least in terms of scale,” indicating that with its expanding research fleet, China is carving out a significant role in deep-sea exploration as a strategic domain.
Additionally, the advancements coincide with China's broader maritime ambitions, which include building a world-class navy and the largest deep-sea fishing fleet, alongside future endeavors to extract valuable resources from the ocean floor. As China's ocean research capabilities grow, so too does the potential for geopolitical tensions, particularly with nations like Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, who perceive these actions as direct threats to their interests in the region.
This dual-purpose approach to ocean research has ignited debates among policymakers as they strive to respond to China's increasingly assertive maritime posture while balancing environmental and territorial considerations amidst these vast ocean territories.
Beyond marine research for ecological and scientific purposes, these expeditions are thought to bolster China's military positioning. Experts assert that the findings from these research activities may inform naval strategies, such as submarine deployment and anti-stealth operations targeting U.S. submarines.
Bruce Jones, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, remarks, “It is striking to see the rapidity with which China is catching up, at least in terms of scale,” indicating that with its expanding research fleet, China is carving out a significant role in deep-sea exploration as a strategic domain.
Additionally, the advancements coincide with China's broader maritime ambitions, which include building a world-class navy and the largest deep-sea fishing fleet, alongside future endeavors to extract valuable resources from the ocean floor. As China's ocean research capabilities grow, so too does the potential for geopolitical tensions, particularly with nations like Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, who perceive these actions as direct threats to their interests in the region.
This dual-purpose approach to ocean research has ignited debates among policymakers as they strive to respond to China's increasingly assertive maritime posture while balancing environmental and territorial considerations amidst these vast ocean territories.
