China has signed bilateral memorandum of understandings (MoUs) on Arctic and Antarctic cooperation with the U.S., Russia, Germany, Norway, Chile and Argentina on Thursday, the country's latest move to actively participate in cooperation and exchanges on polar research.
The MoUs were signed by the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration (CAA) and polar exploration offices or institutes from the six countries, respectively.
The MoUs cover a wide range of cooperation, including site investigation, scientific research, logistical support, environmental protection and management, staff exchanges and policy planning, according to a CAA press release.
State Oceanic Administration director Wang Hong was present at the signing ceremony on Thursday. Envoys from the six countries' embassies in China also attended the ceremony.
The MoU was signed during the 40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, which will run until June 1.
About 400 representatives from 42 countries and 10 international organizations are attending the meeting. This is China's first time to host the meeting since it became a treaty signatory in 1983.
China on Monday published its first full report on its study and use of the region in the past 30 years.
The white paper discusses China's vision for Antarctica. This includes the use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes, safeguarding the stability of the Antarctic Treaty System, elevating Antarctic infrastructure and support capabilities, enhancing scientific investigation and research capability, while calling for strengthened Antarctic environmental protection and coordinating global governance of the continent.
