China Preparing to Build Sixth Antarctic Research Station Amid Scrutiny

Geopolitical Motivations and Regional Presence

China states that the upcoming base will support scientific investigation into climate change, ice sheets, and marine systems. Several other nations maintain a permanent presence on the continent. The United States and Australia operate three permanent year-round bases each, while Russia maintains five year-round stations. Australia asserts a territorial claim over 42 percent of the continent. Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has raised questions regarding Australia’s defense priorities in light of the expansion. Five bases have already been built, and China claims there is no geopolitical motive, Senator Lambie said. Open your eyes, [Department of] Defence. Jiliang Chen, a lecturer in Antarctic law and governance at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, views the station primarily as a demonstration of national prestige. Building a station is China capitalising on its strength in this strategic game, Mr Chen said. He added that a physical footprint helps consolidate China’s role in future decisions made under the Antarctic Treaty System.

Treaty Compliance and Dual-Use Capabilities

The Antarctic Treaty System governs the continent, prohibiting military bases, weapons, and new territorial claims while allowing military personnel and equipment for peaceful purposes. Member states cannot veto proposed new stations under the treaty’s environmental assessment procedures. The Chinese Embassy in Canberra stated that Beijing is fully committed to ensuring its activities in the region strictly align with the Antarctic Treaty System. However, analysts point out that civilian infrastructure such as satellite systems, communications hardware, aircraft, and drones can be adapted for military purposes. Elizabeth Buchanan, a senior fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, highlights China’s Military-Civil Fusion policy and existing satellite ground stations. She warns that an expansion of stations could eventually enable operations across Antarctica independently of other nations. Polar power with serious polar independence means we have very little leverage left, Ms Buchanan said. Other researchers suggest concerns over military conflict or mining are overstated given the extreme environment. Tony Press, the former head of the Australian Antarctic Division, noted that the hostile conditions make the continent difficult for military operations. Antarctica is a terrible place to fight a war from, Mr Press said. He noted that unlike China’s year-round Quinling station, the new base is planned to operate only during the summer season, describing the project as a geopolitical statement rather than a strategic military outpost.

Expanding Influence in Marine Resources

Beyond research stations, analysts note that China is expanding its footprint through governance bodies and maritime operations. Beijing joined the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) following its entry into the Antarctic Treaty in 1983, driven by economic growth and an interest in fishing. Ms Buchanan pointed to the growth of China’s fishing fleet and icebreaker capabilities as part of its Polar Silk Road strategy, alongside preparations for a nuclear-powered icebreaker that would reduce reliance on gateway ports like Hobart. While China limits its high-sea fishing fleet globally, Antarctic krill fishing remains an exception, and Beijing has generally opposed the creation of new marine protected areas in the region.