China's fleet of three deep-sea manned submersibles has achieved a new milestone with 1,746 cumulative dives as of December 2025, according to data released by the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering. This year alone, the vessels are projected to complete 314 missions, demonstrating accelerated progress in underwater exploration capabilities.
The Fendouzhe (Striver) made history in 2025 by conducting China's first manned scientific expedition beneath Arctic ice sheets and collaborating on an international survey of New Zealand's Puysegur Trench. Meanwhile, the Shenhai Yongshi (Deep Sea Warrior) supported 18 archaeological dives in the South China Sea, partnering with unmanned vehicles to uncover previously inaccessible historical artifacts.
These achievements highlight China's growing role in marine research, combining cutting-edge technology with international cooperation. The Jiaolong, another veteran submersible in the fleet, continues to contribute valuable data through its ongoing missions.
