China has completed a week-long survey of the fishery resources survey in the waters east of its Taiwan island, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Thursday.
The Lanhai (Blue Ocean) 201, operated by the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, conducted the survey from July 17 to July 23.
The survey aims to build a thorough understanding of fishery resources in China's jurisdictional waters and to support the conservation and sustainable development of marine fisheries.
The waters east of Taiwan island are rich in fish and serve as important spawning grounds for major commercial species such as tuna.
Researchers collected biological samples from fish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and other sea life, as well as environmental DNA samples. They also gathered a range of basic data, including fisheries acoustics, hydrology, and meteorology.
"This is the first time our ship has gone to those waters, so we had to be even better prepared. This is a comprehensive scientific survey. With trawls and squid jigs, we investigated the marine environment, environmental DNA, fish eggs and larvae, and plankton. This is the first time we are carrying out such a comprehensive survey in these waters," said Zheng Hanfeng, deputy head of the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute.
"We would be delighted to reach every corner of our motherland. We hope to survey all of our country's waters — just to have a clear picture in our minds," said Yao Yong, captain of Lanhai 201.
China surveys fishery resources in waters east of Taiwan Island
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing said Thursday that China stands ready to work with all parties to deepen digital and artificial intelligence (AI) practical cooperation with a view to generating stronger momentum for the building of the Asia-Pacific community.
Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting held in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Zhang said China will stay committed to innovation-driven development, advance the AI sector's technological innovation, industrial development and application scenarios, and lead digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific region.
The country will advance the joint formulation of standards, rules and industrial collaboration, promote open-source and open cooperation in technology, and boost digital prosperity in the region, Zhang said.
China will also advance the construction of digital and AI infrastructure, facilitate the secure, orderly, and efficient flow and utilization of data, and deliver greater benefits to the people in the region, he added.
Meanwhile, China will strengthen coordination on development strategies, governance rules and technical standards, and work together to build a fair and equitable global AI governance system, Zhang said.
Themed "Digital Technologies and AI for the Empowerment of an Asia-Pacific Community," the meeting was attended by over 170 representatives from APEC member economies, the Secretariat, and observers.
China stands ready to deepen digital, AI practical cooperation with all parties: vice premier
