This paper initially reviews the development of deep-sea archaeology abroad and in China respectively. The deep-sea archaeological surveys in the waters of Bei Jiao (north reef) of Xisha islands in April 2018, in the Xisha trough in August 2022 and two shipwrecks in the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea in May 2023 represent the three development stages of China's deep-sea archaeology, which are a breakthrough from zero, the discovery of sunken relics, and then the major discovery of ancient shipwrecks. The application of China's deep-sea science and technology in the field of humanities has made China one of the best in the world in deep-sea archaeology rapidly. Three suggestions are put forward: first, to complete the archaeological investigation and comprehensive assessment of shipwrecks No. 1 and No. 2 on the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea as soon as possible. It will provide important basis for the subsequent research, protection, interpretation and utilization of the wreck sites; second, based on the preliminarily formed deep-sea archaeological investigation techniques, methods and processes, planned and targeted systematic regional investigations shall be conducted in the future in the waters around the reefs with abundant underwater cultural relics discovered and the ancient important shipping route nodes; third, reference to the No. 1 and No. 2 shipwreck sites on the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea, further research and development of special technologies and equipment for deep-sea archaeology should be carried out.

South China Sea  /  deep sea archaeology  /  manned deep sea diving  /  deep sea science and technology