China to challenge manned deep diving world record   

Qingdao (CNS) -- Jiaolong, China's manned deep-sea submersible will carry tens of scientists to challenge the world's manned deep diving record. It will aboard the Xiangyanghong 09, which just left the Qingdao Port for Jiaolong at the Jiangyin Port.

The goal of the independently-developed research vessel is to reach 7,000 meters below sea level, State Oceanic Administration official Liu Xincheng explained on Monday.

Prior to this voyage, the team conquered the 5,000-meter challenge. To prepare for this deep sea experiment, 108 upgrades were made to the vessel based on the previous trial, including those to dynamic features, electricity, and radar navigation.

Only the U.S., Japan, France and Russia own manned deep-sea submersibles besides China. The world record is 6,500 meters.

Jiaolong will arrive in Pacific Ocean international waters on June 3 to carry out its mission, and is expected to return to Qingdao on July 16.