Argo TC Visits China
At the invitation of Prof. Xu Jianping, Research Fellow of the Second Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and the State Key Lab of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Chief-Scientist of China Argo and Member of International Argo Steering Team, Mr Mathieu Belbeoch, TC of International Argo Program visited China in September 25 – 28, 2007.
On September 25, a meeting was arranged by the Department of International Cooperation, SOA between Mr. Liang Fengkui, Director of the Division of Bilateral Relations of the department and Mr. Belbeoch in the headquarter of SOA in Beijing. Both side had a pleasant talk on matters of mutual interests. After the meeting, Mr. Liang hosted a lunch for Mr. Belbeoch. In Hangzhou, Mr. Mathieu Belbeoch gave a lecture on JCOMM in-situ Observing Platform Support Center & Argo for the students and staffs of the Second Institute of Oceanography. He also exchanged views on Argo technical issues and the management of Argo data with Prof. Xu Jianping and China Argo team. Both sides expressed great interests in strengthening future cooperation for the development of Argo Program and the establishment and maintenance of the global Argo array of 3000 floats.
Mr. Belbeoch’s visit happened in the year’s greatest season for the world famous tidal bore of the Qiantang River. The host made a special arrangement for the guest to watch the bore in Yan Guan, about 60 km northeast of Hangzhou. It left a deep impression on him.