The IODP program will involve 33 scientists, 26 from China, others from the US, France and other nations. The scientists will explore the lithosphere extension during the continental breakup, by drilling four sites to a depth of 3,000 to 4,000 meters in the northern area of the South China Sea.
CAS news release, February 22, 2017
China joins International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and builds field laboratory in the NE South China Sea