China's President Xi Jinping has marked a significant milestone in the nation's polar research capabilities with a congratulatory message. The milestone marks the completion and commencement of operations at the Qinling Station in Antarctica. Serving as China's fifth and latest research station on the southernmost continent, the establishment of the station signifies a substantial advancement in the nation's scientific exploration efforts.

In his message, President Xi underscored the pivotal role of polar research in comprehending global climate change and pushing forward the boundaries of human knowledge. He conveyed his greetings and Lunar New Year wishes to those involved in polar research, recognizing their valuable contributions to this critical field. President Xi emphasized the significance of comprehending, safeguarding, and responsibly utilizing the polar regions for the benefit of humanity.

President Xi's message additionally underscored China's dedication to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit in Antarctic affairs. Notably, China maintains its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty System, which designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve and prohibits military activities on the continent. This commitment signals China's intention to actively participate in international collaborative initiatives focused on studying and preserving the Antarctic environment.

Situated on the rugged coast of Inexpressible Island in the frigid Ross Sea, the Qinling station is perched close to the permanently inhabited U.S. McMurdo station.

Designed in a crucifix shape reminiscent of the Crux constellation, such as the Southern Cross, the Qinling station is planned to operate year-round. Official media sources have previously mentioned that the station is equipped with accommodations capable of hosting up to 80 people during the summer months.

China has four other research stations in other parts of Antarctica that it previously built from 1985 to 2014 - Zhongshan, Taishan, Kunlun and Great Wall - with two of them also year-long stations like Qinling.

The construction of Qinling initially began in 2018, but its launch faced delays attributed to the COVID-19 outbreak. In November, China mobilized its largest Antarctic fleet, deploying over 460 personnel to the site to expedite the completion of the station.

According to a report from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in April, Qinling was anticipated to feature an observatory equipped with a satellite ground station. The station's strategic location raised concerns as it could potentially facilitate the collection of signals intelligence over Australia and New Zealand.

Initial photographs of the station did not immediately show the presence of a satellite ground station.

"The construction of China's Antarctic station is fully in line with international rules and procedures concerning Antarctica," said Wang Wenbin, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, at a regular news conference on Wednesday.

"It will be conducive to enhancing humanity's scientific knowledge of Antarctica... and promote peace and sustainable development in Antarctica," he added.

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday commended the opening of the station and urged station workers to "better know, protect and utilise the polar region" along with the international community, Xinhua reported.

Image source: Reuters