According to media reports from the beginning of May, new satellite images from a Washington-based think tank show that China has resumed construction of its fifth Antarctic research station after a break of around five years. According to Chinese sources, the aim is to open up new shipping routes and expand its own research in the Antarctic. However, in view of the current global political situation, Western governments fear that the increasing presence of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the polar regions is aimed at strengthening reconnaissance and surveillance.
China's fifth station in the Antarctic
The new research station on Inexpressible Island on the edge of the Ross Sea is to include an observatory with a satellite station, according to a report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Based on satellite images, new facilities, temporary buildings, a helipad and foundations for a larger main building could be identified in the area of the approximately 5,000 square metre station. Once it is completed by 2024, the station will also have a berth for China's research icebreaker "Xue Long" (Snow Dragon, 21,000 tonnes, built in Kherson/Ukraine in 1990-93, China's first icebreaker). China's fifth station is the same length as New Zealand and is around 320 kilometres away from the largest US station, McMurdo.
China's first icebreaker "Xue Long". Photo: chinadaily.com.cn
Signalling reconnaissance and territorial claims
As the station begins tracking and communicating with China's growing number of scientific polar observation satellites, its equipment can simultaneously intercept satellite communications from other nations, the CSIS said. The station is positioned to intercept signals over Australia and New Zealand, as well as telemetry data from rockets sent from Australia's new Arnhem Space Centre. The Pentagon had already pointed out in 2022 that China's new infrastructure in Antarctica would probably also serve to improve its future claims to natural resources, access to them and the capabilities of its armed forces. China, in turn, rejects these claims.
Utilisation of the Antarctic
According to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which China also signed, activities on the continent are to be restricted to "peaceful purposes". Military personnel are allowed to conduct scientific research, but it is forbidden to set up bases, carry out manoeuvres or test weapons.
Sources: CSIS, Express
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