Chinese research ship completes month-long mission near Scarborough Shoal

China confirmed on Wednesday that a research vessel conducted a month-long, wide-ranging geological survey in the waters near Scarborough Shoal, a South China Sea flashpoint between Beijing and Manila.

The Haiyang Dizhi Shihao, or Marine Geology No 10, carried out the survey from August 11 to September 8, with the aim of “gaining a comprehensive understanding of the basic geological features and ecological environment” of waters under its jurisdiction, the Ministry of Natural Resources said on Wednesday.

The data and samples collected would support research into the area’s seabed, geology and marine environment while “providing a scientific basis for comprehensive management” of the waters around Scarborough Shoal, the ministry said.