Chinese Research Vessels Depart for 16th Arctic Ocean Expedition

Chinese scientists commenced the country’s 16th Arctic expedition on Friday, as three oceanographic research vessels—Xuelong, Xuelong 2, and Jidi—departed from the coastal city of Dalian in Liaoning Province. The expedition, organised by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources and carried out jointly by the three ships along with another research vessel, Tansuo-3, is expected to conclude in early October. The mission will focus on responding to global climate change and its impacts by conducting comprehensive surveys and monitoring in key areas of the Arctic Ocean, covering fields such as sea ice, hydrology, biology, ecology, and the atmospheric environment. Wang Jinhui, head of the expedition team, stated that the Arctic’s natural environment is undergoing rapid and profound changes due to global warming, with trends such as intensified sea ice melting. He noted that these changes concern the survival and development of all humanity, bearing global significance and international repercussions. Wang added that China’s sustained and comprehensive Arctic expeditions serve as crucial support for addressing global climate change and promoting sustainable development in the Arctic region. The expedition will also investigate frontier international scientific issues, including accretion mechanisms at the Gakkel Ridge and the dynamic evolution of oceanic crust, and will conduct collaborative operations with scientists from Russia, Germany, and other countries. This will provide scientific support for China and the international community to better understand, protect, and manage the Arctic region.