"It represents the most advanced technology in deep-sea exploration," he said.
So far, manned submersibles could only descend to 6,500 meters below sea level.
"Each part of the submersible has passed the pressure test of 7,000 meters, and their performance will be tested again in the future as we'll carry out 5,000-meter and 7,000-meter tests," Xu said.
China began to work on the ambitious ocean exploration program in 2002. About 100 research institutes and companies were involved in the program.
The development of the submersible and its support vessel, as well as the selection and training of the crew took six years, and initial tests began in August last year, according to the SOA.
At the press conference, Vice Minister of Science and Technology Wang Weizhong said: "The just completed test sufficiently proved various capabilities of the submersible and laid a solid foundation for its practical application in resource surveys and scientific research as well as for deeper tests."
The submersible could carry a crew of up to three people, and would play an important role in the deep-sea exploration of natural resources and polar research, according to the SOA.
It would be equipped for deep-sea natural resources inspections, as well as research and tests of equipment designed for deep-sea use, the SOA said.
