The deep sea process could be the breakthrough point of today’s ocean science and Earth system science frontiers. “South China Sea Deep”, the first major marine science research program in China funded by NSFC (National Natural Science Foundation of China)with 190 million Chinese Yuan has been launched at 2010 and will last 8 years to study the deep sea process and geological evolution of the South China Sea, the largest marginal sea in the western Pacific. Chinese academician, Professor Pinxian Wang of Tongji University assume the leader of Experts Panel, and many research teams including almost 400scientists and students from morethan 40 universities/institutes has participate in the research work. By dissecting this particular case, the program aims to reveal the evolution patterns of marginal seas and their effects on submarine resource and macro-environment development.

During the program's eight years implementation, 32 institutions nationwide have undertaken 42 key projects, 10 integrated projects and 8 cultivating projects with about 700 people actively participating. Three deep sea diving cruises have been carried out including Jiaolong manned submersible participated in 2013 and Deepsea Warrior submersible participated in 2018, from which Chinese scientists have discovered the paleo-thermal fluid system in the South China Sea for the first time, the largest seabed iron-manganese nodules area, the cold water coral forest and the new cold spring vent in the SCS. In addition, the program has carried out 3+1 international ocean drilling expeditions (IODP 349, 367, 368, and 368X), and has used many advanced deep sea technologies in SCS researches including deep-tow magnetic measurement system, wide-band OBS, deep moring system and seamount seabed drilling. The South China Sea Deep Program has provided a very good application or trial platform for the country's deep sea research technologies, and have strongly promoted the growth and development of China's deep sea research strength.