China to Build First Deepwater ‘Space Station’ in South China Sea
After years of deliberation and technical evaluations, China has officially approved the construction of a deep-sea research facility in the strategically significant South China Sea. The facility, referred to as a “deep-sea space station,” will be anchored 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) below the ocean surface. It aims to advance marine exploration and strengthen China’s geopolitical presence in the resource-rich region. Expected to be operational by 2030, the station will accommodate six scientists for month-long missions, enabling real-time experiments in extreme underwater conditions.
| Summary/Static | Details |
| Why in the news? | China to Build First Deepwater ‘Space Station’ in South China Sea |
| Project Name | Deep-Sea ‘Space Station’ in South China Sea |
| Approval Date | February 2025 |
| Depth | 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) |
| Operational Year | By 2030 |
| Capacity | 6 scientists for up to one month |
| Research Focus | Cold seep ecosystems, methane flux, biodiversity, tectonic activity |
| Technological Features | Long-term life support, AI-integrated surveillance, seabed fiber-optic network |
| Economic Potential | 70 billion tonnes of methane hydrates, rich mineral deposits |
| Geopolitical Impact | Strengthens China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea |
| Human vs AI | Humans remain essential for deep-sea decision-making and real-time research |
| Possible Power Source | Speculated to be nuclear-powered, similar to past U.S. and Russian deep-sea stations |
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