For the first time since 2018, China has resumed construction in Antarctica, and thus seeks to expand its presence in the southern polar region, writes Reuters.
Beijing wants to both develop new cargo routes in the Arctic and expand research in the Antarctic, but Western countries have worried that China’s growing presence in the polar regions will give its military the ability to carry out more reconnaissance activities.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said the research station would help China fill gaps in its ability to access the continent.
CSIS used satellite images taken in January to identify temporary buildings, a helipad, and foundations for a large main building at the 5,000-square-meter station. It is believed that the construction could be completed as early as 2024. CSIS informed: “While the station can provide tracking and communications for China’s growing array of scientific polar observation satellites,
its equipment can concurrently be used for intercepting other nations’ satellite communications.”
While the US research presence in the Antarctic remains extensive, China’s influence is growing rapidly. China’s fifth research station will be located only 320 kilometers from the US McMurdo station. According to the Antarctic Agreement concluded in 1959, which is also signed by China, activities in the cold continent may only be related to “peaceful purposes”.
China denies that its research stations could be used for espionage.