In a significant development, China has expanded its footprint in Antarctica with the establishment of its fifth base, Qinling Station, on Inexpressible Island in the Ross Sea. The base, capable of operating year-round and accommodating 80 residents, is a strategic addition to China’s growing presence in the polar region.
While China emphasizes the base’s role in promoting peace and sustainable development, concerns are mounting in Australia and among global powers. The base’s strategic location, near both Australia’s claimed territory and the US’s McMurdo Station, positions China to potentially monitor communications and access vast natural resources in the Antarctic region, including untapped reserves of oil and natural gas.
The Australian intelligence community is particularly worried about the dual-use nature of China’s Antarctic infrastructure. Reports indicate that China’s military personnel have participated in Antarctic expeditions, raising questions about compliance with the Antarctic Treaty, which mandates demilitarization and peaceful scientific cooperation.
As global tensions rise, particularly between China and Western powers, Australia’s strategic interests in Antarctica may face new challenges. The potential for a resource-driven race in the region underscores the need for vigilant international oversight to preserve Antarctica’s status as a continent of peace and scientific inquiry.
Source ABC News
