Rise to tackle 'bottleneck'

At 7.6 meters in height, 10 meters in width and 12 tonnes in weight, a colossal named "Hainiu II" or "Sea Bull II" stood tall at an exhibition showing China's achievements in scientific and technological innovation during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016–2020), attracting wide attention.

In April 2021, the Hainiu II drilled to a depth of 231 meters on a seabed more than 2,000 meters beneath the sea level in the South China Sea, setting a new record in deep-sea drilling depth. Wan Buyan, professor and doctoral supervisor at Hunan University of Science and Technology, led the research and development of the Hainiu II, China's first deep-sea drilling rig, for upwards of 30 years.

On May 22, 2023, the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee awarded Wan the title "Role Model of the Times."