China has reinforced its commitment to marine disaster preparedness and ocean science with the launch of two major initiatives: the South China Sea Tsunami Advisory Centre and a deep-sea test facility. Announced in conjunction with World Ocean Day, these developments signal the country’s growing focus on ocean safety, scientific advancement, and international collaboration in marine research.
The newly established tsunami advisory centre, located in Sanya, Hainan province, is designed to enhance early warning systems for marine disasters across the South China Sea. The region, known for its seismic activity and vulnerability to tsunamis, is home to multiple island nations and busy maritime routes, making real-time hazard monitoring and communication critical. Operated jointly by China’s National Marine Environmental Forecasting Centre and the Hainan provincial oceanic administration, the facility will issue alerts and forecasts to countries in the region, supporting risk mitigation and emergency planning.
In parallel, China has also introduced a deep-sea testing site to accelerate exploration and innovation in ocean technology. The facility will serve as a platform for fundamental scientific research and equipment testing in deep-sea environments, contributing to advancements in marine engineering, environmental studies, and resource assessments. This test site is part of China’s broader efforts to develop ocean-based industries and secure its role as a leading maritime power.
Both initiatives are seen as part of China’s larger strategy to assert a more active role in global ocean governance while addressing the risks associated with climate change, rising sea levels, and extreme marine events. As maritime tensions persist in the South China Sea, the emphasis on safety and cooperation may also carry diplomatic implications. The tsunami centre, in particular, is positioned as a tool for international collaboration, offering shared services to regional neighbors.
Chinese officials noted that these facilities will help build a multi-hazard early warning framework, integrating data from seismic activity, ocean conditions, and atmospheric systems. By expanding their capacity for early detection and response, authorities aim to better protect coastal populations and economic infrastructure from natural disasters.
As World Ocean Day highlights the need for sustainable use and conservation of marine environments, China’s new ventures underscore a dual approach strengthening domestic resilience to ocean risks while extending outreach to regional and global partners in marine science.