China's icebreaker Jidi begins comprehensive sea ice survey in Liaodong bay

China's independently developed icebreaker research vessel, Jidi, has initiated a comprehensive sea ice survey in the Liaodong Bay of the Bohai Sea in the country's northeast to support ice disaster prevention and maritime safety.

Sea ice poses a significant hazard to northern Chinese coastal regions during winter, with the Liaodong Bay of the Bohai Sea being the most severely affected area. On Thursday, the Jidi and its scientific team conducted full-scale data collection and analysis in the core ice zone.

The 2026 Winter Bohai-Yellow Sea Sea Ice Survey Team, composed of researchers from 10 domestic institutions, is employing advanced technologies such as electromagnetic ice-thickness radar, 3D surface scanning, sub-ice acoustic detection, and AI-assisted analysis. The data will be used to ensure navigation safety and protect offshore energy infrastructure, while also providing technical support for ice-resistant engineering designs and improved forecasting systems.

"We are obtaining core data including ice thickness profiles and physical-mechanical parameters. Current satellite and ship observations indicate drift ice coverage in the Liaodong Bay exceeds 10,000 square kilometers," said Li Ge, leader of the survey team.

The Jidi vessel, delivered in June 2024, is capable of breaking ice up to one meter thick and is equipped with comprehensive marine survey instruments. Since entering the Liaodong Bay on Sunday, it has conducted six consecutive days of navigation and research operations.

The survey also includes an ecological assessment of the bay, which serves as the southernmost breeding ground for the protected spotted seal. During winter, the seals rely on sea ice as a breeding and nursing habitat.

"In this survey, we will conduct drone-based infrared monitoring and collect samples including eDNA from the water to thoroughly understand the population distribution of spotted seals and their prey species, as well as the ecological condition of the breeding area," said Pan Yulong, leader of the survey team's ecology group. The Jidi will continue its multidisciplinary survey in the coming weeks, collecting vital data to enhance China's sea ice research and maritime safety capabilities.

China's icebreaker Jidi begins comprehensive sea ice survey in Liaodong bay

China's commissioning of "five essentials for aircraft carriers" marks a a significant achievement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s accelerated transformation and development, said Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.

The "five essentials" refer to stealth carrier-based fighters, multirole catapult-assisted carrier-based fighters, fixed-wing carrier-based early warning aircraft, fixed-wing electronic warfare aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.

"The package, or what media have dubbed the 'five essentials for aircraft carriers,' is a vital link in forming the systematic combat capability of aircraft carrier formations and a significant achievement in the PLA Navy’s accelerated transformation and development. Building a strong PLA Navy embodies the Chinese nation's long-cherished aspiration of striving to be a strong naval power and serves as an important guarantee for realizing national rejuvenation. In the new era, under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and President Xi, the modernization of the PLA Navy has become increasingly solid and powerful. From the air to the sea, from coastal waters to the open ocean, the types and functions of various weapons platforms have been continuously improved, achieving leapfrog development and innovative breakthroughs, providing stronger guarantees for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.

Spokesman confirms commissioning of 'five essentials' for carriers