China Conducts Scientific Survey in South China Sea

China conducted a scientific survey of the southwest basin of the South China Sea around the end of July, according to the China Geological Survey (CGS). The expedition acquired a "high-quality integrative geographic profile" of the basin's 1,000-km-long survey line, which stretches from the region's Xisha Islands to Nansha Islands. The expedition allows scientists to study the evolution of tectonic activity in the South China Sea and predict disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. The survey is of significance for all countries around the South China Sea, as they will be able to use the data to enhance their ability to prevent and reduce the effects of disasters. The survey lasted from June 13 to July 31 and was carried out by the Chinese research vessel Tanbao in collaboration with a French research unit.