China to build ‘space station’ in deep waters of South China Sea

China to build ‘space station’ in deep waters of South China Sea, which could be a major step in the field of space and oceanography. This project reflects China’s space program and its growing technological capability in oceanography. China aims to conduct scientific research in the deep parts of the ocean through this station and study various aspects of oceanography, environment and biodiversity.

China will be the third country in the world to build and operate a deep-sea space station after the United States and the Soviet Union. The US deep-sea space station NR-1 was a nuclear-powered submarine that was decommissioned in 2008 and went to a depth of 900 metres in the ocean. The Soviet AS-12 Losharik, powered by a nuclear reactor, went to a depth of 2000 metres and was abandoned by the Russians after a massive fire in 2019.

The importance of the Chinese deep-sea space station :-

  • Will provide an advanced platform for oceanography, biodiversity and environmental studies.
  • Will promote the discovery of natural resources such as minerals, oil and gas in the deep sea.
  • Development in space and ocean technology
  • Will strengthen China’s strategic position in the South China Sea, which will increase political influence globally.
  • China will get an opportunity to emerge as a major power in ocean and space science.
  • Obtaining resources from deep parts of the ocean will benefit China’s economy.
  • Through this project, China can further strengthen its position, which will increase influence in maritime disputes.

Dispute in the South China Sea :-

  • The South China Sea is part of the western Pacific Ocean bordering the Southeast Asian mainland.
  • The region is a major shipping route in the world, rich in fishery resources.
  • The areas around the Paracels and Spratlys Islands in the South China Sea are believed to be rich in hydrocarbons and other mineral resources.
  • The region is disputed between China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.
  • China claims a large area of ​​the South China Sea and is building artificial islands to strengthen its claim in the region.
  • Vietnam claims both the Paracels and Spratlys Islands while the Philippines has a dispute with China over the Scarborough Shoal.

Technological and strategic importance :-

  • The station will have a long-term life support system so scientists can live in the deep ocean.
  • It will form a “four-dimensional monitoring network” in conjunction with unmanned submarines, surface ships and seafloor observatories.
  • The project is part of China’s marine infrastructure strategy, which includes a seafloor fiber-optic network and the deep-sea drilling ship Mengxiang.
  • The station is a major step toward making China a leader in marine research.

Some important points for competitive exams related to China :-

  • Capital :- Beijing
  • Prime Minister :- Li Qiang
  • President :- Xi Jinping
  • Official language :- Mandarin (Chinese)
  • Currency :- Yuan (CNY)
  • Population :- About 1.4 billion (world’s most populous country)
  • Geographical location :- China is located in the continent of Asia, and shares borders with 14 countries.
  • Military strength :- China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is one of the largest military forces in the world.
  • Economy :- China is the world’s second largest economy (after the US).
  • Nuclear power :- China is a nuclear power and conducted its first nuclear test in 1964.
  • Space program :- China launched the manned space mission “Shenzhou 5” in 2003 and has made remarkable progress in space exploration.
  • Road and rail network :- China operates the world’s largest high-speed rail network.
  • Constituent membership :-
    • Permanent member of the United Nations Security Council
    • Member of BRICS
    • Member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
    • Member of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
  • Xinjiang and Tibet :- China has faced allegations of human rights violations in the Xinjiang and Tibet regions.
  • National Sport :- The national sport of China is badminton, and China has been very successful in the Olympic Games.

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