China launches cutting-edge high-speed submersible unmanned vessel

China

China launches cutting-edge high-speed submersible unmanned vessel

2025-04-29 16:29 Last Updated At：04-30 00:47

China completed a key step in launching into water a cutting-edge, high-speed submersible unmanned surface vessel, the "Blue Whale," in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, on Monday.

The launch marks a significant breakthrough in China's marine technology and indicates a major step forward in the development of intelligent ocean equipment.

With its scheduled operational debut in 2026, the vessel boasts versatility that enables rapid response to emergencies and efficient application in meteorology, underwater mapping, photography, water sampling, and infrastructure inspections like submarine cable maintenance.

The "Blue Whale" vessel is developed to operate both above and below water. It can reach surface speeds of 36 knots, dive to avoid extreme weather such as typhoons and remain submerged in static suspension for over a month, according to Zhuhai Yunzhou, one of the co-developers.

Construction of the vessel's engineering model started in June 2024, and the process involved pressure-resistant welding, hull assembly, and equipment installation.

The final phases will include internal debugging, mooring trials, and further sea tests before completion.

Xi's special envoy visits Laos

Liu Haixing, special envoy of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping, visited Laos on Tuesday to congratulate the successful convening of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and Thongloun Sisoulith on his election as general secretary of the 12th LPRP Central Committee.

Liu, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a congratulatory letter from Xi to Thongloun and conveyed a message.

The message stated that China stands ready to work with Laos to advance the continuous development of a China-Laos community with a shared future, guided by the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries.

Thongloun expressed his sincere appreciation and extended warm greetings to Xi.

He noted that the new central leadership of the LPRP attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to work closely with China to continuously elevate bilateral relations between the two parties and two countries to a higher level.