On Aug. 7, China unveiled a new key national laboratory. The laboratory, under dual management from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Hainan provincial government, is located at Hainan University.

It aims to promote national strategy on the South China Sea as well as to support provincial development goals through targeted exploitation, preservation and research on oceanic resources in the South China Sea, China News Service (CNS) reported. The Hainan government has earmarked 10 million yuan to support the laboratory every year.

According to CNS, the laboratory will focus on the development and preservation of organism resources, organisms for medical use and microorganisms. Other research fields include oceanic farming, oceanic biology protection, development of quartz sand and other new materials and oceanic power technology.

The laboratory will both help to elevate China as a major maritime power and boost local economic development. It can also help with talent training, according to Ye Zhenxing, party chief of Hainan's Department of Science and Technology.