Summarised by Centrist
China is advancing plans to establish a second Antarctic research station on the New Zealand side of the continent, prompting concerns over its expanding influence. A draft environmental evaluation submitted to the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat outlines a proposed summer research base in Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica.
While China insists the facility is for climate research, past warnings from US defence officials suggest such bases could serve dual purposes, including military applications.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed the submission, as regional powers grow uneasy over China’s increasing presence in Antarctica. The Antarctic Treaty allows nations to build research stations, but critics argue that China’s activities—now spanning five existing Antarctic bases—go beyond scientific collaboration.
Beijing has dismissed concerns, with Chinese state media accusing the US of “politicising” the issue while positioning China as a cooperative partner in Antarctic research. However, New Zealand and Australia continue to monitor its actions closely.
The latest expansion effort follows discussions between Chinese officials and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters in Beijing in February, where Antarctica was a central topic.
