Download Antarctic Treaty System

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
2
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
Antarctic cognition, and continuously improving the capabilities of
the international community to address global climate change.
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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
expeditions as the basis of Antarctic protection and use, embracing
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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
system of the Antarctic region established. Over 400 various maps
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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;
2012 China joined the South Ocean Observation System (SOOS).
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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,
China has scored a batch of outstanding achievements in the fields
of glaciology, space science and climate change sciences.
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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 China and
the national science and technology programs have continuously
increased their input to Antarctic research. According to incomplete
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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
the world revealed theoriginal terrain appearance of the mountains
and valleys in the core region of this mountain range, and
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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 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
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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.
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
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(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
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
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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
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
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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 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
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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 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
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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
framework of the Antarctic Treaty System, protecting Antarctic
environment and ecosystem, and peaceful use of Antarctica, in
facilitation of sustainable development.
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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 Polar
Investigation Elements（HY/T221-2017）, in support of standardized
development of polar expeditions.
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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
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.
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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 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.
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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
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.
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
(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.
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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
collaboration
scientific
in
results
Antarctic
and,
logistic
promote
support
and
international
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
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.
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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.
VI. International Cooperation
China maintains that international exchange and cooperation in
Antarctic affairs constitutes one of the critical components of the
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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,
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
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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
continue
consolidating
cooperative
scientific
their
Antarctic
research
is
cooperation
incorporated
where
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
30
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
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
31
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
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
32
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
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
33
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.
China attaches significances to dialogues and exchanges with
other stakeholders of Antarctic affairs.
VII. Visions and Actions
34
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.
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
35
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
contributions
to
the
peace
and
stability
and
sustainable
development of Antarctica and the international community.
36