Beijing will strengthen its grip on Dome Argus, the highest and coldest place in Antarctica, by finishing construction of a permanent outpost before the end of next year, state media reported yesterday.
The timetable has been adjusted to one year earlier than the goal set by the Polar Research Institute of China. According to Sun Bo, head of the latest inland expedition finished last week, construction would start in October this year.
Key structures of the station would be ready next January, Dr Sun said.
While previous Chinese activities on the plateau focused almost exclusively on astronomy, subsequent research will embrace a much wider range of areas and subjects.
'Scientists will search for the ice core dating from 1.2 million years ago on Dome A. They will study its evolution under its ice cap, the global climate changes and astronomy there,' Dr Sun said at a conference in Shanghai yesterday.
The new station will be supported by Beijing's two other settlements on the continent - both in coastal regions - with truck convoys to deliver goods and helicopters to transport staff and researchers.
