New submersible planned

China is developing a manned submersible suitable for depths of 4,500 meters and the project is expected to be completed by 2016.

"The key parts of the submersible, including the vehicle's pressure hull made of titanium alloy, and batteries, will be designed and manufactured by China independently," said Hu Zhen, a senior engineer with China Shipbuilding Industry Corp who is in charge of the program.

He said 90 percent of the submersible's components will be made in China, adding that Chinese scientists have been studying the key technologies such as materials and batteries.