China Completes Construction of Fifth Antarctic Research Station
On February 7th, a major milestone was achieved as the Qinling Station on Ross Sea, Antarctica, was officially completed. General Secretary Xi Jinping sent a letter to express warm congratulations on this significant achievement. He emphasized that the completion of China’s Antarctic Qinling Station will provide strong support for scientific workers in China and around the world to continue exploring the mysteries of nature and advancing scientific knowledge.
The Qinling Station is the fifth Antarctic research station built by China, following the Great Wall Station, Zhongshan Station, Kunlun Station, and Taishan Station. It is also the third annual research station.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s polar expedition. Under the leadership of the Party, China’s polar endeavors have grown from humble beginnings to significant achievements. Generations of polar workers have braved extreme conditions, demonstrated perseverance, dedicated themselves to rigorous scientific research, and achieved fruitful results.
The scope of China’s activities and areas of investigation in Antarctica have continued to expand. The completion of the Qinling Station is a testament to this steady growth. From the edge of Antarctica to its interior, China’s presence and contributions have continued to evolve.
As part of its efforts to expand and deepen Antarctic research and exploration, China has constructed several research stations over the past four decades. The completion of the Great Wall Station in 1985 marked the country’s first presence in Antarctica, followed by the Zhongshan Station in 1989, the Kunlun Station in 2009, the Taishan Station in 2014, and now the Qinling Station.
The different geographical locations of these stations bring varied scientific research value, optimizing and improving China’s Antarctic scientific research layout.
In addition to research stations, China also boasts two polar scientific research icebreakers – the “Snow Dragon” and “Xuelong 2.” These icebreakers have played a crucial role in advancing China’s Antarctic expeditions and have contributed to new breakthroughs in the country’s comprehensive support capabilities for polar expeditions.
China has not only been actively engaged in scientific exploration in Antarctica but has also been a leading practitioner of Antarctic environmental protection. This commitment has been evident in various initiatives, such as proposing the Grove Mountain Harding Mountain Antarctic Special Reserve and engaging in “green” expeditions that emphasize environmental sustainability.
The completion of the Qinling Station is a testament to the remarkable strength and determination of China’s Antarctic expedition teams. Over the past 40 years, these teams have faced numerous challenges, including extreme weather conditions, dangerous ice crevasses, and extended periods of separation from family and friends.
Their spirit of perseverance and dedication has been a driving force behind China’s achievements in Antarctica, and it will continue to inspire future explorers to brave the winds and snow of this remote, yet remarkable, continent.
Source: People’s Daily, Liu Shiyao and Hu Runxin