HAINAN, March 11th (AMSP/CGTN) – – Seeds thrive, submersibles dive deep, and rockets soar high. Hainan’s industries shine! In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Hainan Governor Liu Xiaoming explains the island’s future development trio.
Governor Liu: These are all seeds: soybeans, rice, corn… Hainan is the only province in China entirely located in the tropical zone, which gives it a unique climate. As a result, 70 percent of the country’s agricultural seeds are bred and cultivated here in Hainan.
CGTN: The Nanfan program.
Governor Liu: Yes, it’s called the Nanfan Silicon Valley now.
CGTN: The Nanfan Silicon Valley?
Governor Liu: Yes, because these seeds are as crucial as chips. The project plays a vital role in our country’s food produce and food security. The key to that is seeds, whether they can be high-yielding, stable, and of good quality.
Governor Liu: The ocean is Hainan’s greatest advantage. I can almost hear the sound of the waves and seagulls. I even dressed to match the sea today! You can find starfish on the beach here. Something special here.
China’s deep-sea manned submersibles Fendouzhe (Striver) and Shenhai Yongshi (Deep Sea Warrior). Shenhai Yongshi started operations in 2017, a bit earlier than Fendouzhe.
Here is the Fendouzhe, very impressive. It’s the world’s fourth manned submersible vehicle to achieve a successful descent (deep under 10,000 meters in the water).
CGTN: It can go to any depth in the sea?
Governor Liu: Yes, it’s a manned submersible. It reached 10,909 meters in the Mariana Trench. These two submersibles are national treasures.
CGTN: Are they developed in China?
Governor Liu: Yes, with a domestic production rate of over 95 percent. They’ve made important discoveries, including deep-sea ecosystems and sunken ships in the South China Sea discovered by Shenhai Yongshi. They’re even used in archaeology.
CGTN: So, China has such advanced technology, and it’s already very mature. Can other countries participate in similar scientific research with us?
Governor Liu: Some countries cooperate with us. They can join us in exploring the deep sea.
CGTN: Can foreign scientists dive with us?
Governor Liu: Of course. We welcome more international scientists to explore the deep sea with us.
CGTN: To unlock its resources and mysteries.
Governor Liu: Exactly. We can develop the ocean resources jointly.
A model of the Long March-12 rocket.
Governor Liu: The Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site (the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site) is China’s first civilian-built, operated, and managed launch site.
A commercial spacecraft launch site.
Governor Liu: The Long March-12 carrier rocket was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Since 2022, we began to build two commercial space launch pads. By 2024, they were fully operational. On November 30 last year, the Long March-12 rocket successfully lifted off for the first time from Launch Pad 2.
CGTN: Many international tourists are able to watch rocket launches in Hainan.
Governor Liu: Absolutely. Every launch, there’s even no need for much promotion, about 100,000 people show up to watch.
amsp/cgtn
CGTN