Two kilometers below sea level, China is constructing its own "space station
China has begun construction of an underwater laboratory in the South China Sea, a pioneering facility that will be located 2,000 metres underwater. The base, designed for scientific research and natural resource exploration, could boost Beijing’s presence in one of the world’s most contested regions.
In addition to studying cold emission systems, the facility will enable the analysis of methane hydrate deposits and strategic minerals, which are key to future technology and energy.
Researcher Yin Jianping of the South China Sea Oceanography Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealed details about the base's design in an article published in the journal Manufacturing and Upgrading Today, the South China Morning Post reported.
Described as a "space station at sea," it will be linked to China's underwater fiber optic network and will house six scientists who will work in its modules for up to a month without exposure to natural light.
The new underwater laboratory will be equipped with advanced technology to withstand pressures 200 times higher than at sea level. The base is expected to be able to accommodate up to six scientists for extended stays, with an advanced life support system to ensure their safety.
In addition, it will be connected to China's submarine fiber optic network, allowing for real-time data transmission.
One of the main goals is to study methane hydrates, a potential alternative energy source with a lower environmental impact than traditional fossil fuels. This natural gas, trapped in ice structures, is abundant on the seafloor, and extracting it efficiently could make China a world leader in its exploitation.
The South China Sea is rich in natural resources, but it is also one of the most contested areas internationally. Beijing claims sovereignty over large swathes of the territory, which has raised tensions with neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
The Chinese underwater laboratory is not scheduled to begin operating until 2030. Although the project represents a technological and logistical challenge, its potential impact on science, energy, and geopolitics is enormous.