China’s research vessel Tansuo-1, carrying the manned submersible Fendouzhe, has returned to South China’s Guangdong Province. The vessel successfully completed a Pacific crossing mission under the Global Hadal Exploration Program.
The mission was also the first China-Chile joint manned deep-diving expedition to the Atacama Trench. It marks a major step forward in China’s deep-sea scientific capabilities and international marine science cooperation, the China Media Group reports.
The term “hadal” refers to those parts of the ocean that are deeper than 6,000 meters, primarily found in oceanic trenches characterized by extreme pressure, lack of sunlight, and unique ecosystems.
The Global Hadal Exploration Program (Global-HEP) is an international scientific initiative led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with the participation of over 10 countries, focused on exploring the hadal zone of the ocean. The program aims to study life and geological processes in extreme environments.
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Global Times, May 10, 2026. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1360639.shtml
Abu Dhabi News, April 21, 2026. https://shorturl.at/vC1ni
