Hainan's Official Portal for Global Investors
China's southern Hainan Province has created a research base for underwater archaeological research in the South China Sea. This was reported by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of the People's Republic of China.
As clarified in a statement published on the website of the agency, the facility is located in Qionghai on the east coast of the island. The building area is about 31 thousand square meters. The complex includes an administrative building, a scientific block, a workshop for ship repair and training facilities.
"The South China Sea is the largest water area adjacent to the PRC, with the largest number of cultural heritage sites under water there," said Li Qun, head of the department, at the opening ceremony.
The official recalled that the South China Sea plays a key role in the implementation of 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative projects. "The establishment of this base is an important step in the work of protecting underwater cultural heritage," Li Qun stressed. "It is particularly important to preserve China's superior traditional culture, and to protect China's national sovereignty, security, rights and interests at sea."
He pointed out that the Party Committee and Hainan Provincial Government, as well as Qionghai сity government, will oversee the new site along with the Cultural Heritage Administration. With the active involvement of human and material resources, this research base is expected to become a center for underwater archaeology at an international level.
