An offshore observation network is due for completion by 2020 in China. This project is being done to better handle disasters, guarantee improvement of the coastal economy and safeguard the country's maritime interests.
To strengthen China's maritime power, a fundamental guideline was released by the State Oceanic Administration that will cover coastal waters, the high seas and polar waters.
"Offshore observation capacity has been lagging behind the country's development in terms of maritime observation methods, infrastructure and technical support," said Chen Zhi, an official at the administration's Disaster Prevention and Reduction Department.
The guideline will follow the building of radar stations, undersea observation and satellite operations and tsunami warning observation stations. This fundamental guideline was released on Dec. 17, Wednesday.
This initiative was mandated because of the growing international concern over China's vast sea area and its rich natural marine resources.
In recent years, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam have posed challenges over China's sovereignty in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. But the situation is now calmly handled as discussions on maritime cooperation are done regularly to ensure sea routes are not unsettled by security challenges. Leaders from these countries assemble yearly to ensure that disaster relief efforts are in place to cope with typhoons or tsunamis.
According to the Oceanic administration, offshore disasters have caused massive casualties and economic losses, most notably in the coastal provinces and regions. Last year alone, these disasters had claimed 121 lives and 16 billion yuan in economic losses.
China's sea level has risen to 95 millimeters between 1975 and 1993, and continues to rise annually, which threatens millions of coastal residences.
In a recent study, the sea level might rise to 200 millimeters for year 2050, which can cause submersion of about 87,000 square kilometers and will affect the economies of developed coastal provinces and regions.
"The State Oceanic Administration will build a comprehensive marine observation network to further enhance management capabilities in offshore disaster prevention and reduction," said Wang Fei, the agency's deputy director.