Chinese submersible dives 3,700 meters

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China has reached an ambitious target, in developing its deep sea submersible technology. The domestically designed and manufactured "Jiaolong" submersible has completed a successful trial operation, diving to depths of 3,700 meters, and working underwater for over 9 hours.

Chinese scientists aboard the "Jiaolong" submersible, dived more than 3,700 meters in the South China Sea.

It took one hour for the vessel to reach the sea floor, where China's national flag was laid. The first underwater picture taken from the "Jiaolong" was transmitted back in just 10 minutes. It then continued working there for over 8 hours.

The submersible is designed to dive up to 7,000 meters, making it one of the most advanced vessels of its kind in the world. In the near future, Chinese scientists will conduct more trails, diving to 5,000 and 7,000 meters respectively.

Years of research and trials have helped the submersible expand its reach from just 50 meters last year, to 3,700 this year. China has become one of the few countries to independently produce the manned deep water submersibles for scientific purposes.

The project began in 2000, when Chinese scientists and experts gathered to discuss the feasibility of the deep water technology.

Two years later, a manned submersible project was approved and enlisted into the 863 national program.

In 2008, China's first such deep water device was made, which could transmit underwater pictures and sound.

Experts say China's submersible technology is capable of conducting underwater detection, taking samples and precise measurements. Other valuable uses include resource exploration.

The domestically designed and manufactured "Jiaolong" submersible has completed a successful trial operation, diving to depths of 3,700 meters, and working underwater for over 9 hours.