China expands polar presence with Antarctic station 

The station aims to conduct continuous, long-term observations of atmospheric components, offering crucial data on their concentration changes…reports Asian Lite News

China has inaugurated its first overseas atmospheric monitoring station in Antarctica, marking a significant step in strengthening its presence in the resource-rich, icy continent. The Zhongshan National Atmospheric Background Station, situated in the Larsemann Hills of East Antarctica, began operations on Sunday, as announced by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA). 

The station aims to conduct continuous, long-term observations of atmospheric components, offering crucial data on their concentration changes. According to the CMA, the findings will provide a reliable representation of the region’s atmospheric composition and characteristics, contributing to global efforts to address climate change. The initiative highlights China’s growing scientific and strategic interests in the polar regions. 

Ding Minghu, from the Institute of Global Change and Polar Meteorology at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, underscored the importance of polar regions as “amplifiers” of global climate change. He noted that the station’s unique geographical location would provide valuable insights into the environmental impacts of human activities. 

This station is part of China’s broader expansion in polar research, which includes five operational research stations in Antarctica and two in the Arctic. Earlier this year, China activated its fifth Antarctic research station, a sprawling facility capable of supporting 80 expedition members during summers and 30 in winters. 

Globally, there are 70 permanent research stations in Antarctica, operated by 29 countries. The United States has six, Australia three, and India operates two active stations – Maitri and Bharti. 

China joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983, committing to preserving the continent as a natural reserve while prohibiting commercial resource extraction. Its ongoing research initiatives, including monitoring Antarctic krill populations, aim to protect the continent’s fragile marine ecosystems and underline its growing scientific footprint in polar exploration. 

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