100-metre-tall watchtower to survey ocean in East China Sea and help protect Beijing’s ‘maritime rights’: state media

Name: Beijing faces backlash from neighbours over expanded territorial claims in new official map
Uploaded: 2023-09-12T22:00:19.000Z
Duration: 3 min 6 s
Description: Beijing faces backlash from neighbours over expanded territorial claims in new official map

Tongji Hai-1 multi-tiered stereoscopic tower base observation platform reported as world’s most advanced observation tower for comprehensive scientific research

The project aligns with China’s ambition to be a prominent maritime nation

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The Tongji Hai-1 ocean observation platform is expected to be installed in the East China Sea in the middle of this month. China will use it to collect comprehensive data in a variety of disciplines. Photo: Handout

Dannie Peng

Published: 6:00am, 13 Sep 2023Updated: 6:36am, 13 Sep 2023

A new ocean observation structure that sits more than 100 metres above sea level and weighs over 4,500 tonnes is a significant leap in China’s marine research capabilities and will protect its maritime rights, according to a Chinese newspaper.

China, which aspires to be a maritime powerhouse, launched the structure – its first multi-tiered stereoscopic tower base observation platform – on Saturday, according to China’s Science and Technology Daily.

The Tongji Hai-1 is expected to be installed in the East China Sea in the middle of this month, according to lead research partner, Tongji University.

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Beijing faces backlash from neighbours over expanded territorial claims in new official map

Once installed it will be the world’s most advanced observation tower for comprehensive scientific research, according to Science and Technology Daily.

The project, contracted by China Offshore Oil Engineering Co Ltd (CNOOC Engineering), will allow at least 66 diverse types, or 195 sets of observation equipment, to gather environmental and oceanic data.

“The platform facilitates real-time, high-resolution three-dimensional observations of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere,” the report said.

It said the platform’s devices would continuously monitor environmental data, delivering precise oceanographic big data services crucial for research on climate change and serve as an early warning system for maritime disasters.