Chinese submersible to assume S China Sea missions

BEIJING - China's manned submersible, the Jiaolong, is scheduled to conduct experimental missions in the South China Sea in May and June, according to a national maritime work conference on Thursday.

Chinese authorities are also considering sending the Jiaolong to survey the international seabed for polymetallic nodule ore in the northeast Pacific Ocean, it was revealed at the meeting.

In June 2012, the Jiaolong, set a new national dive record after reaching 7,062 meters below sea level during its fifth dive in the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean.