China’s Antarctic Activities

Preface

Antarctica bears significant implications on global climate change,

human survival and development. It is a shared mission of the

entire mankind to explore the unknowns about Antarctica and

enrich scientific knowledge thereof, in a view to protecting the

Antarctic environment in facilitation of sustainable development of

human society.

China has accomplished world-renowned brilliant achievements in

its Antarctic activities over past three decades, which has scaled

up from scratch to booming. China has been a participant,

vindicator and builder of international governance mechanism of

Antarctica. Being an ATCP country, China has been firmly

safeguarding the principles of the Antarctic Treaty by protecting

Antarctic environment, facilitating peaceful use of Antarctica,

advocating scientific studies, and promoting international

cooperation, in an effort to contribute to the growth of human

knowledge, progress of social civilization and sustainable

development.

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The Chinese government would wish to take the opportunity of the

40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting to present the progress

of China’s Antarctic activities, in facilitation of mutual

understanding and trust for the end of sustainable Antarctic

activities in joint and deepened cooperation with the rest of the

international community.

I. Fundamental Philosophy of China’s Antarctic Activities

Antarctica, with the unique environment of desolation and

surrounded by the oceans, represents a natural laboratory to

explore the earth evolution and universe mysteries, and bears key

implications on the global climate change. As a new space of

global environment and resources, Antarctica is of great

significance to the process of human development.

The Antarctic Treaty System with the Antarctic Treaty as the core

represents the legal cornerstone for the international community to

address Antarctic affairs. The international governance as set forth

in the Antarctic Treaty embodies the progress of human wisdom of

governance. The System ensures peaceful use of Antarctica,

guarantees the freedom of science, facilitates international

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cooperation, and thereby represents major contributions to the

protection of the Antarctic environment and ecosystem.

The Chinese government, in persistent support of the purposes

and gist of the Antarctic Treaty, and in adherence to the

fundamental notion of peace, science, green, generalized

preference, and shared governance, has been committed to

safeguarding the stability of the Antarctic Treaty System,

persevering in peaceful use of Antarctica and protection of the

Antarctic environment and ecosystem, with great willingness to

provide more effective public products and services for the

international governance of Antarctica to move towards a more

equitable and reasonable orientation, in an effort to structure the

Antarctic “Community of Human Destiny”.

China is committed to elevating scientific cognition on Antarctica.

China encourages expeditions to and scientific studies on

Antarctica through increasing its input to scientific endeavors,

enhancing scientific Antarctic exploration and technical innovation,

improving Antarctic science support capabilities, popularizing

Antarctic scientific knowledge, furthering the accumulation of

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Antarctic cognition, and continuously improving the capabilities of

the international community to address global climate change.

China is committed to protecting environment in Antarctica by

holding that environment protection should be the material aspect

of the Antarctic activities. China advocates green expeditions and

calls for environment protection based on scientific and

technological progress, in an effort to preserve natural environment

and the balance of ecosystem in Antarctica for the purpose of

sustainable development.

China is committed to safeguarding peaceful use of Antarctica.

China adheres to the philosophy of “mutual respect, openness and

inclusiveness, equal consultation, and win-win cooperation”, by

safeguarding peaceful and stable international environment in

Antarctica, observing fundamental objectives and principles of the

Antarctic Treaty System, and persisting in the use of Antarctica in a

peaceful, scientific and sustainable way.

II. Experience of Antarctic Expeditions

Aiming at exploring unknowns and improving cognition and

peaceful use of Antarctica, China has been undertaking Antarctic

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expeditions as the basis of Antarctic protection and use, embracing

frontier sciences and environment issues associated with

Antarctica.

Antarctic expeditions commenced around 1980 in China, which

has experienced the phase of warming-up (1980-2000) and the

phase of booming (2001-2015). The National Committee on

Antarctic Expedition was founded in May 1979. China for the first

time dispatched two scientists joining Australian Antarctic

expedition as of December 1979 to March 1980. China dispatched

its first Antarctic expedition team in November 1984. Over past

three decades and more, national Antarctic observation network

has taken its initial shape and a basic Antarctic exploration and

scientific research system established comprising of government

departments, research institutions and universities, etc. China has

mounted 33 Antarctic expeditions including multi-disciplinary

scientific surveys on geosciences, life science and astronomy, with

10 integrated surveys on inland ice sheets, 2 massive aeronautic

geophysics surveys on inland ice sheets in east Antarctica, and 7

comprehensive oceanographic surveys around the Southern

Ocean. Reference stations of Beidou Satellites Navigation System

of the Arctic and the Antarctic were built, with geodetic datum

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system of the Antarctic region established. Over 400 various maps

covering nearly 300,000 Km2 of Antarctica have been compiled as

a result of surveying and mapping, with over 300 Antarctic

locations named and the Atlas of Arctic & Antarctica published.

China’s Antarctic expeditions have collected 12,017 pieces of

meteorite, the number of which ranks the 3rd in the world and has

played a significant role in China’s effort of deep space exploration

of the Moon and the Mars.

As a result of the multi-year development, China has underscored

significant progress in its Antarctic activities in terms of integrated

logistic support, capacity building, cultural publicity, and public

education.

1．Antarctic Expedition Infrastructure in Initial Shape

In adherence to the principle to be commensurate with the scale

and pace of national economic development, China has been

gradually constructing and improving upon its infrastructure of

Antarctic expeditions and scientific research, in an effort to

resonate the growing capability of scientific studies and demand

thereof.

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1985 The Great Wall Station was built in George King Island in

west Antarctica, the 1st permanent station of China;

1986 “Polarstern”vessel made its maiden voyage to Antarctica;

1989 Zhongshan Station was built in Larsemann Hills in east

Antarctica, the 2nd permanent station of China;

1994 Xue Long expedition vessel was put in service;

1996 Inland expedition motorcade was established;

2007 Domestic base of polar expedition was established in

Shanghai;

2009 Kunlun Station was built at Dome A, the 1st inland station, at

the highest latitude of Antarctic inland ice sheet;

2014 Taishan Station (campsite) was built, with the function of a

relay station;

2015 “Xue Ying 601” was put in service, the 1st fixed wing aircraft.

China has so far accomplished its national Antarctic observation

network which embraces air-based, shore-based, vessel-borne,

sea-based, ice-based, and seabed-based infrastructure, which

basically satisfies the demand of logistic support to Antarctic

expeditions.

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2. Expanding areas and scopes of Antarctic expeditions

Since its expedition to the South Shetland Island of west Antarctica

in 1984, China has been dispatching multi-disciplinary expedition

teams on an annual basis.

1989 The 1st expedition to Larsemann Hills and Prydz Bay region

in east Antarctica;

1996 The 1st expedition to inland Antarctica, where China

emerged as one of the eight countries with capability of inland

Antarctic expeditions;

2005 Expedition to the Dome A–the top of the Antarctic ice sheet,

China being the 1st country to reach this region by land;

2007-2008 China organized the implementation of investigation

program of the big composite section at Prydz Bay–Amery Ice

Shelf–Dome A (the PANDA program) during the International Polar

Year;

2012 “Comprehensive Arctic and Antarctic Environment Research

& Assessment ”a special national project was launched and

implemented;

Since 1986 7 investigation expeditions around the Southern Ocean

accomplished;

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2012 China joined the South Ocean Observation System (SOOS).

3. Abundant Accomplishment of Antarctic Cultural Publicity

and Public Education

China is persistent in promoting public awareness and publicity on

Antarctic knowledge. 1 polar science museum and 10 polar pop-

science bases have been set up in 11 cities of the country, which

provides the public with frequent awareness activities such as free

access, pop-science exhibitions, knowledge contests, and

seminars. 9 sessions of oceanic knowledge contests including

Antarctic knowledge have been rolled out with orientation to

university and high-school students. Antarctic knowledge is

incorporated in teaching materials for secondary and primary

schools, in a view to enhancing scientific cognition on Antarctica by

the public, particularly the adolescent generations.

III. Scientific Studies on Antarctica

Antarctic scientific studies are undertaken in China as a significant

approach to understand, protect and use Antarctica. By

intensifying basic scientific research and promoting active studies

on international frontier scientific issues associated with Antarctica,

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China has scored a batch of outstanding achievements in the

fields of glaciology, space science and climate change sciences.

Nationwide scientific research forces and resources are organized

to participate in Antarctic research with Antarctic expeditions as the

platform. A stable scientific research force of Antarctic study has

taken its initial shape embracing a complete range of disciplines

and systems. Key laboratories are established incorporating areas

of Antarctic oceanography, surveying and mapping, remote

sensing, and atmospheric chemistry. Antarctic research has

evolved from a mono-discipline study towards an integrated inter-

discipline exercise.

Quality of Antarctic research has underscored steady

improvement. The number of papers on Antarctic studies published

by Chinese scientists and included by SCI had risen from 19 in

1999 to 157 in 2016, which ranks amongst top 10 countries in the

world. 3 papers were published in such top international journals

as Nature and Science, which represents a major breakthrough

that China has accomplished in the Antarctic research community.

Antarctic research undertaken in China has covered the entire

vertical spheres of Antarctica including outer space, atmosphere,

ocean, glacier and terrane. The Natural Science Foundation of

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China and the national science and technology programs have

continuously increased their input to Antarctic research. According

to incomplete statistics, funding input during 2001-2016 had

recorded RMB 310 million, 18 times that of 1985-2000 period.

In the fields of marine survey and research, a multi-disciplinary

marine observation platform system has been completed to

embrace various in situ observation techniques including

subsurface buoys and buoys on the basis vessel-borne platforms

and substantial progress which has underscored in physical

oceanography, biological, oceanography, marine chemistry, marine

meteorology, and marine biology.

In the area of Antarctic glaciology observation and research, China

has completed its integrated observation study on the section

between Zhongshan Station and Kunlun Station, with multiple

automatic meteorological stations installed, acquiring systemic and

comprehensive data on glaciological chemistry, glaciological

physics, meteorology and climatology, and subglacial topography.

Detailed survey has been accomplished on ice-thickness

distribution of Dome A and the terrain of Gamburtsev Mountain

Range underneath the ice sheet thereof, which for the first time in

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the world revealed theoriginal terrain appearance of the mountains

and valleys in the core region of this mountain range, and

represents a substantial breakthrough in exploring the origin and

evolution of the Antarctic ice sheet. The deep ice core drilling

system installed in the Antarctic inland Dome A region, which

homes the Kunlun Station, has reached 800 meters deep. It is

expected to provide information in support of inverting climate

change in a time scale of 100,000 to 1 million years

retrogressively.

In the area of scientific observation and research of solid earth,

China has accomplished the establishment of the stratigraphic

sequence of Fildes Peninsula, the measurement of volcanic strata

age and the identification of Pan-African tectono-thermal event in

the Prydz Bay, which has broken through the conventional

formation mode of the Antarctic continent. The geological survey

and study in the Mt. Grove region has resulted in detailed

description of the historical process of ice /sheet advance and

retreat in the east Antarctic since early Pliocene epoch, which

enriches the cognition of the science community on global sea

level eustacy. The coastal geological survey along the east edge of

Amery Ice Shelf–Prydz Bay which has ended up with the

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1:500,000 scale geologic map of the Prydz orogenic belt, has

verified the Pan African Prydz tectonic belt of Antarctica being a

collisional orogenic belt. Surveying and mapping of the 1:50,000

scale topographic maps of Mt. Prince Charles and Mr. Grove

regions have been completed with the help of autonomous remote

sensing satellites data. The investigation of boulder clay band in

the southeast of Vestfold Hills in East Antarctica has ascertained

the existence of paleoarcheanterrane of 3.5 billion years back, and

demonstrated singularity of petrographic composition in the

provenance. 10 Antarctic inland natural earthquake seismometers

have been installed successfully in the inland Antarctica, which

constitutes initial capability of continuous monitoring of natural

earthquakes in Mt. Grove and Larsemann Hills, and acquires earth

crust and lithosphere structures of the Antarctic plate in high

precision. The aerial photogrammetry of Antarctica has resulted in

the acquisition of aerial images and aerial topographic maps of the

Larsemann Hills and Fildes Peninsula regions. On-site acquisition

and calibration of Antarctic remote sensing data has accomplished

with the research on remote sensing mapping, ice flow velocity,

and ice and snow changes underway.

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In the front of atmospheric observation and studies, the Great Wall

Meteorological Station and Zhongshan Meteorological Station

were established, which have been incorporated into Antarctic

Basic Synoptic Network (ABSN) and Antarctic Basic Climate

Network (ABCN), and joined the observation network of WMO.The

Great Wall Station and Zhongshan Station have acquired 30-year

inventory of meteorological data which has laid down a key

foundation for the climate change study in Antarctica. 6 automatic

meteorological stations have been installed on the Antarctic ice

shelf since 2002, the data acquisition of which fills the gaps in the

observational data between Zhongshan Station and Dome A.

Substantial achievements have been accomplished in terms of

structure and energy balance of atmospheric boundary layer in the

polar region, atmospheric environment, rule of sea ice changes,

sea-ice-atmosphere interactions, and the teleconnection

mechanism of climate impact thereof on China.

In the studies of climate change, the multi-disciplinary monitoring

section at 73 E of Prydz Bay has been incorporated in the long-

term monitoring section and monitoring system of the CLIVAR.

Study has been undertaken vis-à-vis the autologous change

patterns of the Southern Ocean sea ice, along with the correlations

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between sea ice change and the Earth’s climate system,

particularly that of China. Success has been underscored in

identifying various trends of response of the Southern Ocean water

mass to the global climate change, revealing biogeochemical

features of impact and behavioral patterns of the principal biogenic

elements in this region, and developing the estimation technique

and methodology of carbon cycle and carbon flux in the Southern

Ocean. Substantial progress has been recorded in terms of

Antarctic circumpolar current, Southern Ocean frontal surface and

vortex, circulation in Prydz Bay, and ocean–ice shelf interactions.

In the field of space observation and research, polar region

aeronomical observation system was established by taking

advantage of the special geographic location of Zhongshan

Station, which has been integrated into the national key science

and technology infrastructure program “Meridian Space Weather

Monitoring Project (Meridian Project)”. Conjugate Arctic-Antarctic

observation pair had been built by 2010, observation factors of

which include aurora, ionized stratum in the polar regions, and

geomagnetism. Systemic study was undertaken on the features of

ionized stratum in the polar gap regions utilizing the observation

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data. The complete evolution process of plasma cloud mass in the

polar regions was observed for the first time in the world.

In the area of Antarctic astro-obeservation and research, 3 sets of

Antarctic astronomical assurance platforms were installed in

Kunlun Station and actual measurement of ground seeing was

accomplished at Dome A, acquiring such actual measured data as

daylight background luminance during polar night, atmospheric

extinction, and aurora impact, etc. Monitoring has been undertaken

on the altitude of atmospheric boundary layer and atmosphere

turbulence intensity. Continuous monitoring of terahertz

transmittance has been carried out. Substantial amount of sky

survey data has been acquired through the use of 2 Antarctic sky

survey telescopes (with an effective aperture of 50cm) and an

Antarctic bright star sky survey telescopes (with an effective

aperture of 30cm). A solid foundation has been hammered out for

China to expand its outer space observation from the north

celestial hemisphere to the south.

In life science observation and research, the survey and study of

land, fresh water, intertidal zone and shallow water ecosystem in

the Fildes Peninsula has resulted in quantitative analysis of the

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key elements and main features of each sub-ecosystem, and the

model of interactions amongst ecosystems. The eco-environment

background investigation at the Great Wall Station since 2012 has

initially determined eco-environment observation locations,

elements and methodology system for the Station area. Medical

research on extreme environment has undertaken systemic

physiological and mental aptitude study over expeditioners,

acquiring physiological and mental aptitude patterns under

different circumstances of environment, time and task of

assignments. Basic issues of life science in the special Antarctic

environment are thereby explored.

In parallel with basic scientific studies of Antarctica, China attaches

great significance to the application and services of the results of

Antarctic research, exploring and establishing service system and

institutional mechanism thereof with service coverage expanding.

With the funding from the National High Technology Research and

Development Program ,the National Basic Research Program of

China and the National Science-Technology Support Program,

special-subject studies on major international frontier subjects

such as ice sheet stability, sea - ice (ice shelf)–atmosphere

interactions, and ocean acidification. have been undertaken, which

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represents substantial contribution to the effort of scientific

assessment of global climate change of IPCC. Antarctic sea ice

and numerical atmosphere forecast system was established, which

provides products of Antarctic numerical weather and sea ice

forecast on a regular daily basis. China has joined the international

Antarctic data sharing platform by establishing China polar

scientific data sharing network and specimen resource sharing

platform, in facilitation of global sharing of Antarctic data and

specimen. Having the pivotal role of Antarctic scientific and

technological advancement in sustainable resource utilization in

mind, China has launched the project of development and use of

Antarctic marine biological resources which include scientific

investigation of euphausia superba and assessment of exploratory

fishing thereof. Remote sensing data analysis of Antarctic sea ice

concentration is underway, which provides Chinese and

international watercrafts with reference for polar navigation route

planning and ice navigation services.

IV. Antarctic Protection and Use

China maintains that the protection of Antarctica represents a key

aspect of entire human sustainability, and stands for, under the

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framework of the Antarctic Treaty System, protecting Antarctic

environment and ecosystem, and peaceful use of Antarctica, in

facilitation of sustainable development.

1. Laws and Regulations Development

In accordance with the provisions set forth in the Antarctic Treaty,

China has accordingly enacted its domestic legislative and

normative documents, effectively protecting Antarctic environment

and ecosystem in parallel with its activities and peaceful use of

Antarctica. The State Council promulgated its ecree No. 412 in

2004, exercising examination and approval system to expeditions

to the Antarctic and Arctic. The State Oceanic Administration

issued the Implementation Rules for the Administrative License on

Antarctic Expedition Activities in 2014, which has subjected 6

categories of activities that may generate greater impacts on

Antarctic environment and ecosystem to permit administration,

with EIA document being a part of the mandatory documentations

applying for permits. China will continue persisting in Antarctic

legislation in a bid to elevate Antarctic environment protection and

use under higher level of law governance. Furthermore, the State

Oceanic Administration has released 3 oceanic industrial

standards, including Classification Codes and map Legends of

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Polar Investigation Elements（HY/T221-2017） , in support of

standardized development of polar expeditions.

2. Environment Protection Measures

China has come up with its environment protection and

management system vis-à-vis Antarctic expeditions, “with relevant

provisions of the Antarctic Treaty as its core, law and regulations

as its axis, and on-site measures and device deployment as

practice”, which extends the focus of Antarctic environment

protection by embracing proactive prior management and control

on top of process management. The environment protection

management pattern of “proactive prior management and control,

stringent process control, and post-event inspection” has taken

shape. China requires that all Antarctic expedition projects shall

subject to environment impact assessment; personnel heading for

Antarctic field work shall undertake targeted education and

training; advanced waste and sewage treatment systems shall be

installed in stations with sorted waste management measures in

place, while minimizing the aggregate volume of waste production,

and recycling as much waste to China as possible for appropriate

disposal. Efforts have been made to upgrade and retrofit the fuel

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and power system of Xue Long expedition vessel, using more

environmentally friendly light oil as fuel in compliance with the

provisions vis-à-vis the prevention of marine pollution as set forth

in the Antarctic Treaty System along with the navigation rules of

IMO. Environment Management Officials have been deployed

during each expedition, responsible for supervising environment

protection measures. Over recent years, China has embraced the

environment improvement in and around its Antarctic stations in its

top priority list, in an effort to comply with the requirements of

Antarctic environment protection and fulfilling its international

obligations in practical actions. In the context of booming tourist

influx, China requires domestic Antarctic tourism operators to be

acquainted with international rules and operation modes so as to

deliver amicable performance in Antarctic environment protection

and tourist safety.

3.Participation in Antarctic Regional Protection and

Management

China attaches significance to the protection and management of

Antarctic areas of special values. In accordance with regional

protection and management mechanism set forth in the Protocol

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on Environment Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, China has

independently or jointly set up multiple Antarctic specially protected

areas (ASPAs) and Antarctic Specially Managed Areas (ASMAs).

China for the first time in 2008 independently initiated and set up

Mt. Grove and Mt. Harding ASPA. China worked with Australia,

Russia, India and other countries on jointly initiating and

establishing Amada Bay ASPA, Stornes Peninsula ASPA, and

Larsemann Hills ASMA, ensuring the environment of these areas

is under effective protection and promoting exchanges and

cooperation amongst parties concerned. China is currently making

positive efforts in promoting the establishment of Dome A and

Kunlun Station ASMA, in a view to protecting the special scientific

and environment values of the area. China has set up two historic

sites and monuments in the Great Wall Station in commemoration

of Antarctic exploration activities accomplished by China as an

integral part of international expedition endeavors to Antarctica.

4. Research and Use of Biological Resources

China stresses on rational use of Antarctic marine biological

resources, participating in scientific studies and assessment of krill

resource and ecosystem, exploring and utilizing such resources on

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a sustainable basis, in stringent compliance with the conservation

measures required by CCAMLR. Since China commenced

Antarctic krill fishing in 2009, its average annual amount of harvest

had registered 30,000 tons by the end of November 2016.

 

China steadily undertakes Antarctic bio-prospecting, extracting

various new knowledge on such important research areas as fish

genome and evolution, microbial diversity, new enzymes, and

active secondary metabolite, etc. China has underscored major

headways in reserve of and research on Antarctic microbe

bacterial strains, with substantial improvement of microculture

techniques and non-culture techniques of microbial diversity. With

over 5,000 polar microbes in reserve, China has identified and

published 5 new genera and 28 new species in IJSEM amongst

other international journals.

V. Participation in Global Governance of Antarctica

China is a firm vindicator of the Antarctic Treaty System and

maintains that the System represents a cornerstone of

safeguarding peace, stability and cooperation in the Antarctic

region. China encourages international cooperation, protects

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Antarctic environment and ecosystem, and utilizes Antarctic

marine biological resources in a sustainable manner. China holds

that Antarctic endeavors of every country should subject to the

compliance with the Antarctic Treaty amongst other relevant

international conventions, treaties and agreements, undertaking

consultations on an equal footing and unanimous decision-making

in the Antarctic affairs, committing to enhancing human

acquaintance with protection and use of Antarctica. With active

participation in the global governance of Antarctica, China deems

Antarctica to be the best practice region of the community of

human destiny, making great efforts to contribute China concepts

and wisdom to the peaceful use of Antarctica.

China ratified the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and became one of the

ATCPs in 1985. China ratified the Protocol on Environment

Protection to the Antarctic Treaty in 1994 and subsequently the 5

Annexes thereof, and executes the instruments to the letter in its

Antarctic activities. China ratified the Convention on Conservation

of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and became a member of

CCAMLR in 2006, when China commenced her overall

participation in the conservation and rational use of Antarctic

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marine biological resources. China turned to be an official member

of SCAR in 1986 and a founding member of COMNAP in 1988.

In the capacity of an ATCP since 1985, China has dispatched

delegations to various sessions of ATCM, actively participating in

deliberations and formulation of relevant management rules,

independently and jointly submitting 74 work documents and

information documents. Since 2007, China has dispatched

delegations every year to participate CCAMLR and Scientific

Committee meetings, actively involving in monitoring and

evaluation of scientific studies, formulation and execution of

conservation measures, and decision-making process. China

attaches significance to rational regional conservation and

management in Antarctica in an aim to the protection of scientific

and environmental values. China is pragmatically committed to the

establishment of Ross Sea Conservation Area with emphasis on

the balance between the dual objectives of conservation and use.

The viewpoints that China has positively claimed, including,

rational use, freedom of science, establishing background data

and standardized scientific study and monitoring programs, along

with sunset clauses, have been incorporated in the conservation

measures of the Ross Sea Conservation Area established by the

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international community. China deems the Ross Sea Conservation

Area as the fruit of multi-year joint efforts by all the member

countries, while scientific basis constitutes the foundation of the

achievement of the objectives of the conservation area. Beginning

with the inception of the Ross Sea Conservation Area, each party

should consolidate their cooperation with the Commission in

scientific research and monitoring vis-à-vis the Conservation Area,

thus contributing to the objectives thereof. China has been actively

involved in the work of the inter-sessional working groups of

ATCMs and others, playing a significant role in facilitating the

discussion of relevant agenda topics and formulation of rules.

China is earnest in exercising its rights accorded by the Antarctic

Treaty, attaching significance to Antarctic tour of inspection and

ensuring peaceful use and environment conservation of Antarctica.

Inspections were undertaken to some of the stations based in

George King Island region in 1990 and 2015 respectively, and

inspection reports have been submitted to ATCMs.

China is earnest in fulfilling its obligations provided by the Antarctic

Treaty through actively carrying out information exchange. Initial or

comprehensive EIA reports of Kunlun Station, Taishan Station

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(campsite), and the new station in the Victoria Land of Ross Sea

were submitted to ATCM sessions in 2008, 2013 and 2014

respectively. China has actively participated in the construction and

improvement of the electronic information exchange system,

delivering pre-season, annual and basic information on schedule.

China attaches great importance to the support of international

Antarctic organizations in their management and operation by

dispatching personnel to take part in their day-to-day work,

screening and recommending experts to their important positions.

Several representatives from China have held the vice-chair

positions of the CCAMLR Science Committee, COMNAP and

SCAR. China highly values its participation in SCAR and COMNAP

by fulfilling its relevant obligations in an effort to facilitate the

coordination of international scientific research programs and

exchange of scientific results and, promote international

collaboration in Antarctic logistic support and operational

management of Antarctic stations.

China maintains that the Antarctic governance is closely correlated

with global governance, and advocates to adhere to relevant

purposes and gist of the Antarctic Treaty, continuously enhance

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scientific research and international cooperation, actively respond

to such global challenges as marine conservation and sustainable

use and climate change, with emphasis on navigation safety of

watercrafts in polar waters and environment protection thereof.

China has been attaching significance to the management and

sharing of polar scientific data and actively supporting international

governance of Antarctica with public products and services. China

established its polar scientific database system in 1999, national

Arctic and Antarctic data center in 2003, and joined SCADM

affiliated to SCAR in the same year. China became a member of

SOOS-DMSC in 2013, officially participating in data management

and sharing of the Southern Ocean observation. China is working

on applying to become an official member of WDS, actively

participating in the discussions on data policies and sharing

mechanism of SAON and ADC. China has provided over 100

international scientific studies with data services, with clients from

over 10 countries and regions including the United States, Russia,

India, Japan and the United Kingdom. In addition, China has

released to the international community 5 categories of specimen

information including polar organism, polar ice and snow, polar

rock and minerals, polar meteorolite and polar sediment.

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VI. International Cooperation

China maintains that international exchange and cooperation in

Antarctic affairs constitutes one of the critical components of the

development and expansion of the Antarctic activities. In

adherence to the gist of international cooperation as set forth in the

Antarctic Treaty, China undertakes to forge the Antarctic

cooperation partnership network by actively exploring areas and

intensifying international cooperation, striving to promote

multilateral, bilateral and regional cooperation.

1. Multilateral Exchanges and Cooperation

Multilateral cooperation represents the most important platform for

China to actively undertake international exchange and

cooperation in Antarctica. China has acceded to the Antarctic

Treaty, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic

Treaty, and CCAMLR, etc., playing a significant and even leading

role thereof. China has actively participated in major international

scientific programs. For the first time in 2007, China participated in

event organizing and scheming of the 4th International Polar Year,

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formulating the “China Action Plan of International Polar Year”,

implementing China “PANDA” plan in Antarctica, developing

international cooperation plan, data-share and publicity plans. In

2014, China participated in the discussion and formulation of the

“Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science Horizon Scan” of SCAR

on international Antarctic scientific and technological development

plan, and the “Antarctic Roadmap Challenge” of COMNAP on the

plan of technical guarantee for scientific studies. China is involved

in SOOS, organizing the Asian symposium of the System, and has

joined SOOS-DMSC.

2. Bilateral Exchanges and Cooperation

Bilateral cooperation in scientific research is the most important

approach for China to actively undertake international exchange

and cooperation of Antarctica. China actively undertakes bilateral

cooperation with relevant countries in the field of Antarctic

expeditions and scientific studies, forging a network of Antarctic

cooperation partnership. China and the United States have

undertaken a number of cooperation projects in Antarctic scientific

studies, which have already been incorporated in the outcome list

of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue. China and Russia

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continue consolidating their Antarctic cooperation where

cooperative scientific research is incorporated in the inter-

governmental framework agreement of marine cooperation, with

pragmatic cooperation in sharing logistic facilities underway. China

and Norway are undergoing unhindered exchange in polar areas.

Following the normalization of the bilateral relationship, the two

countries are discussing the signing of inter-departmental MOU on

cooperation in the Antarctic and the Arctic activities. In the

meanwhile, China has undertaken extensive cooperation with

Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, UK and EU in the fields of

Antarctic research, logistic guarantee, and science popularization.

Universities and research institutions have been undertaking

frequent exchange and visits while many inter-governmental or

inter-institution agreements of cooperation have been reached.

China and Oceanian and South American countries share a long

standing history of cooperation in the field of Antarctic expedition,

with in-depth collaboration in field exploration and cooperative

studies accomplished. The two countries signed the MOU between

the Government of PRC and the Government of the

Commonwealth of Australia on Cooperation in the Field of

Antarctica and Southern Ocean Affairs and the Schedule on

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Antarctic Gateway Cooperation between the Government of

Tasmania and the SOA of China in 2014. China and New Zealand

signed the declaration of Antarctic cooperation in 1999. Moreover,

the two countries reached the Arrangement between the

Government of PRC and the Government of New Zealand on

Antarctic Cooperation in 2014. China and Chile have maintained

amicable cooperative relations in the area of Antarctic activities.

The two countries have undertaken 3 joint voyages of expeditions

in the Antarctic Peninsula. An agreement of inter-institution

cooperation was reached between the two countries in 2010.

China and Uruguay signed MOU on Antarctic Cooperation

between the PRC and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in 2016.

Cooperation and exchange has been intensified between China

and South American countries including Peru and Brazil in

Antarctic affairs.

China has played a constructive role in cooperation amongst Asian

countries in Antarctic expeditions and studies, providing

expeditions from this region with an effective platform of support

and guarantee. China shares a long standing experience with

Japan and ROK in exchange and cooperation in Antarctic

expeditions and studies, with bilateral cooperation agreements

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reached between research institutions and consolidated mutual

assistance and coordination during field explorations. China

promotes for the countries from this region to reinforce exchange

and cooperation in the Antarctic activities by, jointly with Japan and

ROK, initiating and establishing Asian Forum of Polar Science

(AFoPS). Being the sole regional cooperation organization of polar

science in Asia, the Forum means to enhance coordination

amongst Asian countries, encourage and boost cooperation and

development amongst Asian countries in polar scientific studies.

The organization is currently comprised of 5 official member

countries and 4 observer countries. China and Thailand signed, in

2013 and 2016 respectively, the MOU on Antarctic Cooperation

and the MOU on Cooperation in Polar Scientific Research,

between respective research institutions, in support of participation

of Thai scientists in Antarctic expeditions organized by China.

3. Other Exchange and Cooperation

International cooperation and support is indispensible for the

development of China’s Antarctic activities. China has benefitted in

its efforts of station construction, operation and S&R, from the

support provided by Australia, Russia, the US, New Zealand and

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Chile, amongst other countries. With sustained improvement of the

capabilities of Antarctic activities and in adherence to the gist of

cooperation for mutual benefit and support as set forth in the

Antarctic Treaty, China has actively undertaken international

cooperation in logistic support, training, and S&R, etc. Constant

mutual support and cooperation in logistic support such as

transportation, material support, and medical aid has been

underway between the Great Wall Station and its neighboring

stations from Chile, Russia, Uruguay, ROK and Argentina, and

between Zhongshan Station and its adjacent stations from Russia,

India and Australia.

In carrying forward spirit of international humanitarian,“Xue Long”

expedition vessel and “Xueying 601” fixed wing aircraft have

participated in a number of S&R operations in Antarctica. “Xue

Long” and Australian “Aurora Australis” expedition vessels, through

their full cooperation, succeeded in rescuing Russian “Akademik

Shokalskiy” expedition vessel in 2013-2014. “Xue Long”

participated in 2016 in rescuing the stranding “Aurora Australis” in

the Mawson Station.Additionally, “Xue Ying 601”participated in

rescuing pilot accident in Australian Davis Station in 2015-2016.

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China attaches significances to dialogues and exchanges with

other stakeholders of Antarctic affairs.

VII. Visions and Actions

Antarctica is concerned with human subsistence and sustainable

future. It is in conformity with the common interests of entire

mankind to achieve peace and stability, environment friendliness,

and equitable governance in Antarctica. Being an ATCP country,

China will unswervingly pursue the approach of peaceful use of

Antarctica, firmly safeguard the stability of the Antarctic Treaty

System, increase its input to the Antarctic activities, elevate

Antarctic infrastructure and comprehensive support capabilities,

enhance its scientific investigation and research capability,

strengthen its ability of Antarctic environment protection, promote

international exchange and cooperation, play a more active and

constructive role in global governance of Antarctica, provide more

effective public products and services, intensify publicity and

education of Antarctic knowledge and culture, and elevate public

awareness of Antarctica.

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The 13thFive-Year Plan of National Economic and Social

Development of China promulgated in 2016 has put forward the

major program of “Xue Long Tan Ji”. The 13th Five-Year Plan

period represents a critical time for China to boost into a maritime

power. China is expected, on the basis of intensifying the

advancement of scientific cognition of polar regions, to elevate its

Antarctic activities to a higher level with vigorously enhanced

capabilities of protection and use of Antarctica, and participate in

Antarctic governance, through such measures as new installation

of Antarctic stations, deployment of new and advanced

icebreakers, improvement of Antarctic aviation capability, initial

establishment of land-sea-air observation platform, development of

probing equipment suitable to the Antarctic environment,

establishment of the platforms for Antarctic environment and

resource potentiality information and operational application

services, etc.

Down the road, China is willing to join hands with the rest of the

international community in understanding, protecting and using

Antarctica, in facilitation of establishing a more equitable and

rational international Antarctic order, and forging the Antarctic

“community of human destiny”. China is committed to ever more

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contributions to the peace and stability and sustainable

development of Antarctica and the international community.

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