Beijing: China is carrying out a wide and detailed effort to map the ocean floor across key regions of the world, raising concerns among security experts about its possible military use.
The report says Chinese research vessels have been collecting data on the seabed and ocean conditions in areas such as the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and parts of the Arctic. While these missions are officially described as scientific research, experts believe the information gathered can also support submarine operations.
The data being collected includes details about underwater terrain, water temperature, salinity and ocean currents. These factors are important in submarine warfare because they affect how vessels move underwater and how sonar systems detect or avoid detection.
Researchers tracking ship movements found that dozens of Chinese vessels have been operating in grid patterns, a method commonly used for seabed mapping. Some of these ships have been active near sensitive areas such as waters around Taiwan, Japan and the island of Guam, as well as major shipping routes in the Indian Ocean.
Analysts say such mapping could help submarines navigate more safely, remain hidden and monitor the movement of rival naval forces. It may also allow China to prepare underwater zones in advance in case of future conflicts.
A key part of this effort is the development of what Chinese researchers call a transparent ocean system. This involves placing sensors and monitoring equipment across large stretches of sea to observe underwater activity in real time. Experts say such a system could make it easier to detect foreign submarines moving through strategic waterways.
China maintains that its ocean research supports peaceful goals such as climate studies, resource exploration and disaster monitoring. However, many analysts view these activities as dual use, meaning they serve both civilian and military purposes.
Security experts, including those in the United States, warn that the growing scale of China’s ocean mapping could reduce the advantage long held by other naval powers in underwater knowledge and surveillance.
The findings highlight a broader shift in global naval competition, where control of undersea data is becoming increasingly important. As China continues to expand its naval reach, its efforts beneath the ocean surface are drawing close attention from across the world.