China's 16th Arctic expedition team set sail from northeast China's Dalian port on Friday.
The mission marks China's first Arctic expedition in the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).
The fleet consists of four ships: Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi, and Tansuo 3, with the survey set to wrap up by early October.
With the Arctic environment changing fast under the impact of global warming and sea ice shrinking at an alarming pace, continuous comprehensive surveys are critical for sustainable development in the region.
"The expedition will focus on addressing global climate change and its impacts, and will carry out surveys and monitoring of atmospheric environment, sea ice, biophysical environment, and oceanography in key Arctic waters. We will also explore and study some frontier issues, including the accretion mechanism of the Gakkel Ridge," said Wang Jinhui, head of the 16th Arctic expedition.
China's 16th Arctic expedition sets sail from Dalian
He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, met with Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, in Beijing on Wednesday. He said that with 2026 marking the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the Chinese economy has maintained good momentum characterized by continued innovation, optimization and sound growth.
Under the strategic consensus of the two heads of state, China-U.S. economic and trade consultations have produced a series of mutually beneficial, balanced and positive outcomes, which are conducive to the stability and development of both countries and the global economy, He said.
Dalio expressed optimism about China's economic development prospects and opportunities, and said he is willing to continue playing an active role in advancing U.S.-China economic and trade cooperation
Senior Chinese official meets Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio
