WASHINGTON: China has resumed construction on its fifth station in Antarctica for the first time since 2018, according to new satellite imagery collected by a Washington-based thinktank.
In a bid to increase its Antarctic footprint, China has sought to develop new shipping routes in the Arctic and further its research in the ice-covered continent, but Western governments are concerned its increasing presence in the polar regions could enhance the surveillance capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The new station, on Inexpressible Island near the Ross Sea, will to include an observatory with a satellite ground station, and should assist China “fill in a major gap” in its ability to access Antarctica, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said in a report.
The think tank used satellite imagery taken in January to identify new support facilities, a helipad, temporary buildings and foundations for a larger main building at the 5,000 sq meter (53,820 sq ft) station. It is estimated the construction could be completed by 2024.
“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 satellite communications of other nations,” CSIS said.
The station’s position makes it well suited to collect signals intelligence over Australia and New Zealand and telemetry data on rockets launched from Australia’s new Arnhem Space Centre, it said. Once finished, the infrastructure is expected to include a wharf for China’s Xuelong icebreaker ships.
CSIS told Reuters that although the US still maintains a larger research presence on the uninhabited continent – including the biggest facility in its McMurdo station – China’s footprint in Antarctica is increasing at a faster pace. Beijing’s fifth station will be at a distance of 200 miles (320km) from the McMurdo station, it said.
Restrictions on Activities in Antarctica
Activities in Antarctica are restricted to “peaceful purposes” only, under the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, to which China is party.
Military personnel can conduct scientific research, but setting up bases, carrying out maneuvers, or weapons-testing are banned on the continent.
A 2022 Pentagon report said China’s new infrastructure in Antarctica was probably intended in part to strengthen its future claims to natural resources and maritime access and boost PLA capabilities.
China rejects accusations that such stations would be used for espionage.
