Icebreaker Xue Long's rescue mission highlights China's polar ambitions
Icebreaker Xue Long's assist in Antarctic drama shows China's expanding presence in region
A Chinese research vessel's escape from pack ice after evacuating 52 people from a Russian ship trapped in Antarctica has shone a spotlight on the country's growing polar ambitions at both ends of the earth.
In the Arctic, China's strategic goals include the opening up of a "northeast passage" shipping route that Beijing hopes will shave days off the journey to Europe, its biggest export destination. And in the Antarctic, Beijing has mounted 30 expeditions and built three research bases - one at more than 4,000 metres altitude, on one of the frozen continent's highest ice caps.
Just as in the space race, experts say China is playing a long game in polar exploration, with the expected territorial and natural resource benefits decades, even half a century, away.
"At the moment, the only Antarctic resources that are really up to exploration are the marine living resources in the Southern Ocean," said Donald Rothwell, a professor of international law at Australian National University.
The Antarctic Treaty bans mining until at least 2048. But "some have observed China's development of its Antarctic interests allow it to be well-positioned if there is a change in the circumstances", Rothwell said.
The 1959 agreement designates the icy continent as a scientific preserve and bans military activity. China did not sign onto the pact until 1983, but has made stunning progress in ensuing three decades.