China to Further Explore Antarctic, Deep Sea

Beijing, Feb 9 (IANS) China is set to explore the Antarctic and the deep sea this year with newly developed equipment.

The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) will establish an air service team for Antarctic exploration, the Global Times reported on Tuesday.

Technology and equipment adapted to the polar environment as well as monitoring and application service systems will be developed.

The SOA will also carry out a pilot deep-sea mining project as well as exploration and deep-sea biological diversity research.

In addition, the SOA will conduct the seventh Arctic research expedition in 2016 and try to arrange a joint Arctic Ocean expedition with Russia for the first time.