China's research vessel Kexue departed from Qingdao on Saturday for a 40-day expedition in the Western Pacific Ocean. Scientists from more than 10 institutions will study ocean currents, climate, marine ecosystems and seafloor geology using an integrated observation system of buoys, underwater gliders and ship-based surveys. The expedition also marks the official naming of China's self-developed "LangYa" buoy and mooring systems, designed to work with an AI-powered ocean forecasting model.