Haixun-09, described as China's largest outpost ship, has been submerged. The 165-metre vessel, which went down to the water at a shipyard in Guangzhou, will enter service in 2021, according to information on the official website of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China.

Construction of the Haixun-09, which has 10,700 tons of displacement, began in May 2019. The outpost ship has a data centre that includes several satellite communications systems, including a helipad and China's Beidou Navigation Satellite System.

Cao Desheng, director of china's Maritime Security Administration, said Haixun-09 will help strengthen maritime traffic control and emergency support, ensure safe and trouble-free maritime transportation and protect the country's maritime interests.