China will build its fifth research station in Antarctica

China is preparing for the construction of the fifth research station in Antarctica, to further expand its presence on the ice continent.

China's Xuelong icebreaker and expedition are conducting survey activities and are preparing to build a fifth research station on ice silk.Xuelong is currently the only Chinese icebreaker.(Photo: People's Daily)

People's Daily reported on January 12 that the announcement on the website of the Ministry of Land and Resources said an expedition is conducting a survey to prepare for the construction of the fifth research station in Antarctica. .

Xuelong icebreaker arrived at the water near Victoria Land on December 26. Meanwhile, members of China's 31st Antarctic scientific expedition, along with 10 tons of cargo, were transported to the Inexpressible island area, the Victoria Land in the Ross Sea.

China also plans to build a new icebreaker for polar exploration purposes in 2016.

The first Chinese expeditions began to set foot on the ice continent since 1984. The nation's four research stations in Antarctica include: Great Wall, Zhongshan, Kunlun and Taishan.

Zhongshan (Zhongshan) is China's fourth research station in Antarctica.(Photo: Xinhua)

Nearly 30 countries around the world have built research facilities in Antarctica, including the United States, Russia, Australia, England, France, and Argentina. Argentine is a country with 13 establishments. Russia and the US have 12 and 6 research stations respectively.