Chinese researchers begin deep dives to study Ming-era shipwrecks found in South China Sea
- Wrecks offer ‘historic facts’ about Chinese voyagers’ role in the development of South China Sea, heritage officials say in announcing year-long study
- Heavily laden ships are China’s latest archaeological discovery in resource-rich waterway where several neighbours have competing claims
The research is part of a year-long mission to scientifically assess how to preserve and protect the two shipwrecks of “world-class archaeological importance”, the National Cultural Heritage Administration said, announcing the finds on Sunday.
The shipwrecks, both spotted by Chinese marine researchers in October, offered historic evidence of the role of Chinese voyagers in the development of the South China Sea, administration officials said in the southern coastal city of Sanya.
They would also provide important clues to the maritime section of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route connecting China to other Asian countries and beyond, the officials were quoted as saying by state-run China News Service.
The ships, which date back to the late 15th and early 16th century when the Ming dynasty ruled China, were discovered by Chinese marine researchers about 1,500 metres (4,290 feet) below the surface in the northwestern area of the South China Sea. Both were heavily laden with cargo.