Should read: " China, the most populated country with the second highest GDP, trumps Elon Musk and James Cameron, two individuals who self funded their own exploration company and project."

What was the cost to China for this stunt $1b, $2b? I bet they paid much more then Elon and James.

"Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for China's manned space missions said the program, which began in 1992, would cost a total of almost 40 billion yuan (US$6.27 billion)."

Title is incorrect. There is nothing about SpaceX or James Cameron in article. Even more: there is nothing about price in relation to SpaceX and as far as it is known to me SpaceX is cheaper. James Cameron reached 11000 kilometers while China reached only 7000 kilometers. Please don't invent your titles if you are not sure about the topic.

It's hardly "trumping SpaceX and Cameron", that's pure linkbaiting.

What's notable about SpaceX and Cameron's sub is that they're both wholly privately funded -- that's a novel, and significant, development. That a world-power government can do these things is hardly news, and in no way overshadows the significance of SpaceX & Cameron's projects -- being important milestones towards commercial exploitation of the solar system & deep ocean.

Compare China's current position to the traditionally dominant players -- i.e. other world-power governments -- if you want the comparison to be even remotely meaningful.