China is rapidly expanding its deep-sea exploration capabilities through the Yazhou Bay Science and Technology Zone in Sanya, Hainan Province, positioning itself at the forefront of marine research innovation. The facility has become a global nexus for oceanographic studies, hosting 18 international research teams from countries including France, Indonesia, and the Philippines this year.
The Nanshan Scientific Research Harbor – operational since 2023 – now supports advanced projects ranging from deep-sea energy extraction to biodiversity mapping. Hainan's streamlined customs procedures, implemented in Q1 2025, have attracted $2.3 billion in overseas investment for marine tech ventures this quarter alone. "This collaboration model allows us to share risks and rewards in exploring uncharted territories," noted Dr. Li Wei, lead researcher at the Hainan Deep Sea Innovation Institute.
