Beijing boosts its claims in South China Sea with delivery of new ocean-going research vessel
- Da Yang Hao will give China a ‘crucial advantage’ in terms of its maritime research capabilities, observer says
- And at 4,600 tonnes, ship will also add significant weight to Beijing’s manoeuvrings in disputed waters
China has taken delivery of a new long-range research vessel which it says heralds a “new era” in maritime exploration, though the news may set alarm bells ringing in the region as Beijing remains locked in a number of territorial disputes with its neighbours in the South China Sea.
With a top speed of 16 knots and a range of about 14,000 nautical miles, the Da Yang Hao (Great Ocean) has the capability to conduct deep-sea resource exploration in any of the world’s oceans, state media reported on Saturday.
Owned and managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, it also represents the pinnacle of China’s oceanic survey technology, the report said.
“Delivery of the vessel marks a new era for China’s capability in marine resources exploration and research … and [will help to] maintain the country’s interests in the international sea area.”
Beijing has been steadily building up its oceanic exploration fleet as part of its increasingly assertive stance in the South China Sea, and observers say the Da Yang Hao could well be deployed to the disputed waterway.