China Set To Become 2nd Nation To Explore Arctic Seafloor With Manned Mission
China is set to make history with a manned mission to explore the Arctic seafloor, positioning itself as the second country to reach the depths of the Arctic Ocean after Russia’s 2007 expedition.
This groundbreaking mission will be led by China’s new polar research vessel, Tan Suo San Hao, expected to be operational by 2025 and ready to navigate the icy Arctic waters.
The vessel was built in record time, under 10 months, and is part of China’s ambitious plan to establish an advanced fleet of Arctic-ready vessels to enhance its polar research.
A state-of-the-art submersible, entirely built in China, will support this mission and has already passed rigorous testing, including successful underwater docking and operation in icy conditions.
This new Chinese-built submersible represents a leap forward in China’s capabilities, previously reliant on foreign technology, and opens doors for deep-sea exploration, oil, and gas ventures.
China’s Arctic interests have accelerated rapidly; in 2024 alone, China sent three icebreakers to the region while the U.S. had none, with one icebreaker visiting Russia to strengthen their growing alliance.
China’s joint Arctic patrol with Russia covered nearly 12,000 nautical miles, marking a historic collaboration as they passed near Alaska’s coast, a move closely watched by Western nations.
With rising Arctic shipping and oil exploration, China is building another powerful icebreaker, capable of cutting through over 2 meters of ice year-round, signaling a robust commitment to its Arctic ambitions.