Beijing (MidLand) – The Chinese government has rejected concerns that the activity of a fifth scientific research station in Antarctica could be used for intelligence purposes.
“China’s new Antarctic station was built and operated in full compliance with international regulations and procedures,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said while addressing the media in Beijing, China, Wednesday (7/2).
China has just operated a scientific research station in Antarctica’s Ross Sea called Qinling Station, which is China’s fifth station in the region.
Qinling Station is located on the rocky coast of Inexpressible Island in the Ross Sea, near the American McMurdo Station. China previously had four other research stations in Antarctica built during 1985-2014, namely Zhongshan, Taishan, Kunlun and Great Wall.
“As a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty, China always ensures that our activities are consistent with the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty System,” Wang Wenbin added.
He said the Qinling station will contribute to humanity’s scientific understanding of Antarctica.
“(This station) Provides a platform for joint scientific exploration and cooperation between China and other countries, and helps promote peace and sustainable development in the region,” Wang Wenbin said.
Work on the station first began in 2018 but was delayed due to COVID-19.
The research facility, with a crew of 460, has an observatory with a satellite ground station and could help “fill gaps” in its ability to access the continent.
But according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Qinling station is well positioned to collect information on signals from Australia and New Zealand and telemetry data relating to rockets launched from the new Australian Space Center in Arnhem.
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Reporter: Desca Lidya Natalia
Publisher: Arie Novarina
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