China is reportedly planning to build an underwater lab in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

The underwater lab is likely to be located at a depth of 3,000 meters and will be the first project for long-term human habitation at such a depth.

The project was mentioned in China's current five-year economic plan issued in March. It ranks number two on the list of the country's top 100 science and technology priorities.

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After examining the implementation of the project, authorities have fast-tracked it. No information regarding the timeline or cost of the project is available.

China is currently boosting its presence in the South China Sea amid an ongoing territorial dispute with other Asian countries including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The underwater lab is likely to be used for military operations. However, Xu Liping, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Science, said that it is more likely to have civilian implications. The country may carry out mining operations and explore the sea as the potential source of raw materials.

The platform will be mobile and could be equipped with a network of sensors, used to detect U.S. and Russian submarines.

"To develop the ocean is an important strategy for the Chinese government, but the deep sea space station is not designed against any country or region," Liping added. He also stated that deep-water projects are being carried out by many other countries around the world.

TagsSouth China Sea, china, China underwater lab, underwater lab, South China Sea Dispute