China's Scientific Ocean Drilling: Past and Future

China has been an active participant in scientific ocean drilling programs over the past decades, significantly contributing to advances in marine science, talent development and technological innovation. With the officially conclusion of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) in 2024, China is gearing up for a new phase of ocean exploration. This presentation will comprehensively review China's achievements in ocean drilling and outline its ambitious future plans.

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, a new China Multifunctional Platform (CMP) will be established. The CMP will be jointly operated by the Science Center at Tongji University and the Platform Center at the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey. It will operate with high flexibility, selectively deploying appropriate drilling ships or subsea drilling rigs such as the DV Meng Xiang for deep-water drilling, the "Haiyang Dizhi Shihao" for shallow-water drilling, and the "Hainiu" for shallow target layer drilling, based on specific scientific goals and drilling requirements.

China's ocean drilling strategy is founded on the principles of openness and inclusivity. Proposals for drilling missions will be solicited globally, evaluated by an international panel of experts, and the best projects will be selected for implementation. In keeping with the tradition of scientific ocean drilling programs, all data and samples collected during China-led expeditions will be shared openly, enabling scientists from around the globe to contribute to groundbreaking research. China's commitment to international cooperation extends to maintaining and expanding partnerships with current IODP members, including the United States, Japan, 14 European countries, Canada (ECORD), Australia and New Zealand (ANZIC), India, and others. By broadening the scope of collaboration, China aims to create opportunities for more countries, particularly developing nations, to engage in ocean drilling and contribute to the collective understanding of our oceans.