Mainland surveys waters east of Taiwan Island

Chinese researchers have concluded a comprehensive marine geophysical survey in the waters east of Taiwan Island to gain a thorough understanding of the basic geology and seafloor tectonic features in the country's jurisdictional sea area, the Ministry of Natural Resources said on Thursday.

The survey, carried out by the ministry's Second Institute of Oceanography from Aug 10 to 31, collected fundamental data on seafloor topography, sedimentary strata, deep geological structures and geophysical fields in the region. It employed multiple disciplines including multibeam bathymetry, multichannel seismic reflection, ocean bottom seismometers, and gravity and magnetic measurements.

Li He, chief scientist of the survey and an associate researcher at the institute, said the survey aims to support the development of an integrated territorial spatial planning system.

"Conducted at the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), the survey has accumulated baseline data for geological research on seafloor sedimentation, tectonic activity and deep crustal structure, filling a gap in China's existing marine geophysical datasets for the area," Li said.

"This will deepen our understanding of plate tectonics and regional geodynamics, laying a scientific foundation for the comprehensive governance of China's jurisdictional sea area," he added.

Jin Yongming, a distinguished professor at the School of International Affairs and Public Administration at the Ocean University of China in Qingdao, Shandong province, echoed Li's views, saying "it is an entirely legitimate, reasonable and lawful scientific activity".

"Japan and the Philippines' announcement in a joint statement in May to launch so-called 'maritime boundary delimitation negotiations' involving waters east of Taiwan Island is an act that seriously undermines China's rights and interests," Jin said.

"The survey, combined with coast guard law enforcement patrols, reflects the normalization of China's exercise of jurisdiction in the waters east of Taiwan Island," he added.