An underwater mapping and exploration campaign has begun in the South China Sea with the aim of recovering relics, mainly Ming dynasty porcelain, from two vessels sunk at a depth of 1,500 meters. This technological venture also has political implications.
In China, this deep-sea adventure is closely followed by the population, similar to space missions. Exciting music, typical of a Hollywood movie, accompanies the images of ceramics resting in the blue depths of the South China Sea. Remarkably, these images clearly show tableware dating back to the Ming Dynasty, specifically Emperor Zhengde (1506–1521), whose designs and colors can still be seen.
Chinese state media consider this discovery a “great achievement of underwater archaeology.” In previous years, the Jiaolong submarine had descended to a depth of 5,000 meters, and in 2018, marine drones such as the Qianlong III pushed the boundaries of deep-sea exploration. In 2020, the Fendouzhe submersible reached the deepest known point in the Mariana Trench, nearly 11 kilometers below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. However, this will be the first time archaeologists will dive that deep to recover relics. The remains of the two ships sighted in October 2022 lie at a depth of 1,500 meters, beyond the reach of shipwreck hunters. The bathyscaphe in charge of the recovery mission, the Deep Sea Warrior, is 95% made in China, unlike its predecessor.
The recovery campaign will last about a year, divided into three stages, according to the experts interviewed. The two Chinese warships have carried more than 100,000 items, including export porcelain and timber logs, en route to China.
These underwater ambitions of China are closely linked to its geopolitical ambitions. Officials claim that this discovery confirms historical facts and China’s role in the South China Sea through the Maritime Silk Road. It reinforces China’s position as a maritime power and supports its territorial claims over islands and atolls disputed by neighboring countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.
China’s conquest of the deep sea is not limited to archaeological discoveries. China is leading the way in mapping the ocean floor and searching for mineral wealth. Deep-sea mining has become a new area of international competition in science, technology, and resources. The seabed of the South China Sea, one of the world’s most contested areas, is the subject of futuristic projects. In 2018, a deep-sea basing project using pilotless drones for scientific and defense operations was launched. This project reflects China’s determination to be a leader in these areas.