HONG KONG, Nov 6 (Reuters) – Beijing has approved a new law aimed at enhancing China’s research efforts in Antarctica and tightening regulations on exploration activities, as reported by the official Xinhua news agency on Friday.
China, much like the US, has been increasing its presence in Antarctica and the Arctic to access polar resources.
- This law is designed to promote Chinese scientific exploration and ensure the protection of national activities, assets, and interests in Antarctica.
- It mandates that all Chinese activities in Antarctica must safeguard wildlife and plants, manage waste properly, prevent marine pollution, and minimize negative effects on the Antarctic environment.
- Chinese research, tourism, shipping, and other activities in Antarctica will now require approval based on a set of environmental and safety conditions.
- For the past two years, China has operated an atmospheric monitoring station in Antarctica to track environmental changes and contribute to global climate change efforts.
- China is a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the region as a scientific zone open for research and prohibits military activities. It also adheres to the 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection, which has banned mining and oil drilling in the region for 50 years.
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Published 07.11.2026