Technically speaking, it is a DSRV (Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle )

Chinese state TV broadcasts launch of new submarine

Published: 12:42PM BST 26 Aug 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newsvideo/7965562/Chinese-state-TV-broadcasts-launch-of-new-submarine.html

China has announced that it has successfully launched a domestically-made submarine in the South China Sea, Chinese state media reported today.

CCTV news channel broadcast the above video of submariners on the maiden voyage of the vessel, including the moment a robot planted a Chinese national flag at the bottom of the South China Sea.

The China-made submarine reached depths of more than two miles, according to CCTV.

China has declared that it is the fifth country to produce a submarine that can withstand depths of more than two miles below sea level, after the United States, Russia, France, and Japan.

Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, Ma Yanhe, head of social development at the Ministry of Technology said the test was successfully carried out.

"The submarine made a record of operating under sea for 9 hours and 3 minutes, so the the equipment on board successfully passed the test and operated at depths of more than 3,000 metres and met the relevant standards," Ma said.

The date the mission was carried out is not known.