Manned sub Jiaolong starts trial mission

China's manned submersible Jiaolong submerges for scientific research in the South China Sea, June 17, 2013. Jiaolong set a new dive record after reaching 7,062 meters deep in the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench in June 2012, demonstrating China's ability to conduct deep-sea scientific research and resource exploration in 99.8 percent of the world's oceans. However, Jiaolong is not yet ready for regular operation, according to the State Oceanic Administration (SOA). The mission will mark the start of a five-year trial period for the Jiaolong before it starts regular operation. This mission will focus on scientific research, rather than pursuing a greater depth of diving. [Photo/Xinhua]