China and Indonesia have successfully completed their first joint scientific expedition in the Java Trench, marking a significant milestone in deep-sea exploration and bilateral cooperation.
The Chinese research vessel Tansuo-1 (Discovery One), carrying the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe (Striver), returned to Sanya City in south China's Hainan Province on Thursday, concluding a 50-day voyage that began on February 8.
Conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency, the expedition brought together experts from 11 universities and institutions across both countries. The team embarked on deep-sea diving missions into the Java Trench, one of the deepest parts of the Indian Ocean.
During the expedition, Fendouzhe completed 22 dives, 14 of which reached depths exceeding 6,000 meters. Notably, the team achieved a dive to the trench's deepest point at 7,180.4 meters, setting a new record for Indonesia's deepest dive.
"We discovered two active low-temperature hydrothermal vent sites in the Java Trench, where the vent fluids provide valuable food and energy sources for benthic organisms," said Du Mengran, a research fellow at the CAS Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering. "We also observed iron oxide-rich sediment layers at the trench bottom. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of the unique geologic activities and biodiversity in the area, as well as the co-evolution of geology and life."
The expedition team collected samples of macrobenthos, rocks, and sediments, and captured high-definition videos and photographs, providing valuable data for future research. This marks the first large-scale and systematic manned deep-sea exploration conducted in the Java Trench at an international level.
The successful completion of the joint expedition represents a new chapter in maritime cooperation between China and Indonesia. By deepening understanding of geological processes in the abyssal zone and the evolution of Earth, the mission contributes to scientific knowledge and fosters stronger ties between the two nations.
The collaboration aligns with the broader goals of promoting scientific innovation and sustainable development in the region. As both countries look toward future joint ventures, this expedition sets a precedent for international cooperation in exploring the deep sea's mysteries.
Reference(s):
China, Indonesia conclude first scientific expedition in Java Trench
cgtn.com
