China Sends Crewed Submersible Under Arctic Ice for First Time

China Sends Crewed Submersible Under Arctic Ice for First Time

In a significant advancement for deep-sea exploration, China has successfully deployed a crewed submersible beneath the Arctic"s ice for the first time. This historic mission was accomplished as part of the country"s largest scientific exploration in the Arctic Ocean, culminating in the return of four Chinese research vessels to Shanghai on September 26, 2025. The expedition marks a pivotal moment in China"s ongoing efforts to assert its presence in the Arctic region.

Key Details

The expedition utilized the deep-sea submersible named Jiaolong, which enabled a crew to reach the ocean floor beneath the ice-covered waters of the Arctic Ocean. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as only a select number of nations have managed to conduct similar missions successfully. The challenges of navigating and communicating under the ice are substantial; conventional technologies often fail to operate effectively in such conditions, complicating the use of satellite systems and coordination with surface vessels.

China"s strategic interest in the Arctic has been evident since 2015 when the country designated the High North as a "new strategic frontier." Subsequently, China declared itself a "near-Arctic" state, emphasizing the importance of scientific research in its Arctic strategy. Between 2000 and 2024, the number of Chinese scientists publishing research related to the Arctic increased fivefold, contrasting with a significant decline in the proportion of U.S. scientists engaged in Arctic studies during the same period.

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Background

The Jiaolong submersible, which translates to "Dragon" in English, has been a cornerstone of China"s deep-sea exploration initiatives since its development. This mission under the Arctic ice not only showcases China"s technological advancements but also highlights its commitment to expanding its influence in the Arctic region, an area that is becoming increasingly important due to climate change and the potential for new shipping routes and resource extraction.

China"s growing activities in the Arctic have raised concerns among other nations, particularly the United States and NATO allies, regarding the implications for regional security and environmental stewardship. As previously reported, these developments reflect a broader trend of increasing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening up new opportunities for exploration and exploitation.

What"s Next

The successful deployment of the Jiaolong submersible under the Arctic ice sets the stage for future scientific missions and exploration efforts by China in the region. As the country continues to invest in its Arctic capabilities, it is likely to engage in more extensive research and collaboration with other nations, while also navigating the complex geopolitical landscape that characterizes Arctic affairs.

As the world watches these developments, the implications for international relations and environmental policy in the Arctic will continue to unfold. The increasing presence of China in the Arctic raises questions about the balance of power in the region and the responsibilities of nations regarding environmental protection and sustainable development.

For further insights into China"s expanding Arctic activities and their implications for global security, refer to our recent developments on this topic.

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