On August 18, 2024, around 1 PM (Beijing time, approximately 11 AM), the "Jiaolong" submersible, carrying the chief scientist Xu Xuewei for the 2024 West Pacific International Voyage, along with pilots Qi Haibin and Zhang Yi, successfully completed its first dive in the West Pacific's inaugural operational zone. This marks the 300th dive of the "Jiaolong," China's first domestically designed and integrated manned submersible capable of reaching depths of 7,000 meters.
Since its first dive on August 3, 2009, the "Jiaolong" has undergone various stages including sea trials, experimental applications, and operational runs. It has completed 300 dive missions across the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, with a total of 900 dives carrying personnel.