A render of China's proposed new research station at Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica. (Chinese Antarctic Administration )
In short:
China currently has five stations in Antarctica, including one that opened last year.
It has now lodged plans for a new summer research station in West Antarctica — with China's Ambassador to Australia saying there is no "geopolitical motive" behind its expanded operations in Antarctica.
What's next?
The proposed new station will be discussed at this year's Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Italy in June, however member states are unable to veto proposed new stations under the Antarctic Treaty.
China says there is no "geopolitical motive" behind the ongoing expansion of its operations in Antarctica, including newly lodged plans for a seasonal station on the icy continent.
More than 50 countries operate research bases across Antarctica, including Australia, which has three permanent stations.
China, which established its first permanent station in 1985, has grown its footprint to five research bases.
China has five research bases across Antarctica. (ABC News: Magie Khameneh)
The most recent was Qinling Station, which attracted concerns from some security and polar analysts when it opened last year.
China has now submitted a draft environmental evaluation to the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty for the construction and operation of a new summer research station at Marie Byrd Land.
The proposed base, which China hopes to open in 2027, would feature a 900m2 main building and a 500 m2 scientific research centre catering for 25 researchers and support staff.
"The proposed new Chinese summer station … is envisioned as a facility to underpin logistical support and scientific research activities," the evaluation states.
"It aspires to become an international platform for multidisciplinary inquiry, focusing on marine and global climate change studies."
When asked about China's growing presence in Antarctica, and its long-term ambitions, the country's ambassador to Australia said China wanted to contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian says there is no geopolitical motive behind the new research station proposal. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)
"As China grows and develops, we are now in a better position to contribute," Xiao Qian told the ABC in Hobart last week, when he was also asked about China's recent naval activities near Australia.
"We are open, we are transparent, we are ready to cooperate with Australia and many other partners of the Antarctic Treaty to make further efforts in that direction.
"There is no geopolitical motive behind this, and there should be no overreading, misreading or overreaction."
Expanded operations 'purely for scientific purposes', China says
In 2022, a US Defense Department report said China's increased presence in Antarctica was "likely intended to strengthen its position for future claims to natural resources and maritime access".
The report also said China's "strategy for Antarctica" included the use of dual-use technologies, which can have both scientific and military applications.
China is expanding its presence in Antarctica. Should Australia be worried?
Photo shows Three men in orange ski wear pull a red flag off a large plaque on a sunny icy tundra
It said the use of such technologies "are likely intended, at least in part, to improve PLA [People Liberation Army] capabilities".
The Antarctic Treaty stipulates the continent be used for peaceful purposes only.
It prohibits "any measures of a military nature," although it allows for the use of military personnel and equipment for scientific and peaceful purposes.
China has consistently maintained it abides by the rules of the Treaty, and there have been no identified breaches during inspections of its bases, including by Australia and the US in 2020.
The ambassador reiterated that China's Antarctic operations were "purely for scientific purposes".
"We are open for sharing technology, sharing information, and for joint collaborations," he said.
"So there should be no worry and concerns from a different perspective."
Australia expects all parties 'to comply' with Treaty
China and Australia have a history of collaboration in relation to Antarctica, with Australian personnel hosting the first Chinese scientists to visit the continent in the early 1980s.
Mawson Research Station is one of three bases Australia has in Antarctica. (Supplied: AAD/Chris Wilson)
Earlier this year, Australian expeditioners at Mawson Station also assisted a Chinese team that needed to refuel one of their aircraft.
But over the years, there have also been political tensions between the two countries, including in 2022, when former prime minister Scott Morrison questioned China's adherence to the Antarctic Treaty.
"They don't share the same objectives as Australia … as a treaty nation, when it comes to protecting Antarctica," Mr Morrison said at the time.
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) said China's plans for its proposed new station had been provided to all Antarctica Treaty nations in accordance with the treaty's environmental protocol.
The AAD is now seeking public comments in relation to the proposal.
The Antarctic Treaty stipulates the continent be used for peaceful purposes only. (Supplied: AAD)
"The Australian Government is aware of China's proposal for a new research station in Marie Byrd Land in West Antarctica," an AAD spokesperson said.
"Australia will undertake a thorough review of China's proposal, consistent with the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.
"Australia expects all parties, including China, to comply with the requirements of the Antarctic Treaty and Protocol, including the rules and norms of non-militarisation, freedom of scientific investigation, international cooperation, and environmental protection."
The proposed new station will be discussed at this year's Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Italy in June, when member nations will provide feedback on the plan.
Member states are unable to veto proposed new stations under the Antarctic Treaty.
China seeks further cooperation with Australia
China also faced criticism last year after it and Russia blocked proposed new marine protected areas and revisions to the management of krill fishing in waters surrounding Antarctica.
At the time, Australia did not name China, but described the failure of "some members" to support the conservation initiatives as a "backward step" that put ecosystems at risk.
China's Ambassador told the ABC a balanced approach was needed in relation to conservation plans.
Tasmania invites China to expand its use of Hobart as gateway city to Antarctica
Photo shows Two red and white ships break through an icy body of water.
"I think it's an issue of balancing between protecting the living creatures and scientific research, as well as commercial purposes," Mr Xiao said.
"So we are open for discussions until [we] reach a consensus among members."
He also said China was considering the Tasmanian government's request last year for Chinese icebreakers to expand their use of Hobart as a gateway city to Antarctica.
"I think our colleagues in China are looking at this issue very sincerely,"
he said.
"I personally look forward to future visits of such.
"And I want to emphasise that not only we should resume the port visits, but also to resume and expand our cooperation related with Antarctic related issues.
"It's important to our two countries and it's important to global efforts to address climate change and other related challenges."