China has taken delivery of a new long-range research vessel which it says heralds a “new era” in maritime exploration. The Da Yang Hao (Great Ocean) has the capability to conduct deep-sea resource exploration in any of the world’s oceans, state media reported on Saturday. Collin Koh, a research fellow at the RSIS in Singapore, said the vessel’s “collection of vital oceanographic information and data helps China enhance its understanding of the waters, which will help optimise its range of civilian and military activities – altogether helping China assert its claim.”