Strengthen marine technological innovation and advance the development of deep-sea endeavors.
On a certain date, the first domestically designed and constructed deep-sea drilling vessel, "Dream," was officially commissioned in Guangzhou. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter, fully affirming the scientific and technological personnel for "leveraging the advantages of the new national system, embodying the spirit of pioneering innovation, unity and collaboration, overcoming difficulties, and striving for the peak, overcoming multiple world-class technical challenges, and fully demonstrating the self-confidence, self-reliance, and mission of Chinese scientific and technological personnel in the new era." He emphasized the need to "make good use of this major scientific and technological facility, enhance marine technological innovation, expand international marine cooperation, and make greater contributions to advancing the Chinese modernization and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind."
The important congratulatory letter from the General Secretary points out the direction for the development of China's deep-sea industry in the new era and provides fundamental guidance. The ocean is the cradle of life, vast and spacious, rich in resources and diversity. Developing the marine economy and building a maritime power are of significant strategic importance for the sustainable development of China's economy and society, and for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Since the new era, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China's marine affairs have achieved significant accomplishments. Major projects for the development and protection of marine resources have been steadily advanced, with key marine equipment continuously emerging. The first deep-sea drilling vessel successfully completed its trial voyage, offshore oil and gas exploration and development have achieved a leap in water depth, the "Blue Whale" successfully tested combustible ice extraction in the South China Sea, the marine economy has achieved remarkable results in transitioning towards quality and efficiency, and the marine ecological security barrier has been further strengthened.
From the "Jiaolong" to the "Deep Sea Warrior" and then to the "Striver," from "deep diving" to "deep drilling" and then to "deep networks," China's deep-sea endeavors have flourished, achieving remarkable accomplishments that have captured global attention. The "Dream" ocean drilling vessel, with a gross tonnage of approximately, displacement of tons, a range of nautical miles, and a maximum drilling depth of meters, possesses the capability to operate in any sea area worldwide. The successful sea trial and official commissioning of the "Dream" vessel mark a significant step forward for China in deep-sea entry, exploration, and development, and represent another major achievement in the construction of a maritime and technological powerhouse.
Exploring the mysteries of the deep sea and advancing into the depths of the Earth are common dreams of all humanity. In recent years, continuous innovation in deep-sea technology and leapfrog development in deep-sea science have created conditions for humans to further understand and develop the ocean. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China made an important deployment to "develop marine economy, protect marine ecological environment, and accelerate the construction of a maritime power." The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China proposed major tasks to improve the system and mechanisms for promoting marine economic development, establish and improve marine resource development and protection systems, and enhance mechanisms for safeguarding maritime rights and interests.
We must deeply study and comprehend Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping's important expositions on building a strong maritime country, fully implement the important deployments of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, accelerate original and leading technological breakthroughs, promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and deepen international exchanges and cooperation. We must adhere to and strengthen the Party's comprehensive leadership, carefully summarize the valuable experience from the construction of the "Dream" vessel, leverage the advantages of the new national system, promote excellent work styles, unite all forces, and continuously advance the development of deep-sea endeavors to a new level.