China's New Antarctic Research Station Renews Concerns About Potential Security Threats

VOA News ^ | 2.16.2024 | William Yang

[libh8er]

China’s inauguration of a new scientific research station in Antarctica last week has renewed debate about the purpose and impact of the rapid expansion of Chinese presence on the continent.

Situated on Inexpressible Island near the Ross Sea, Qinling Station is China’s fifth scientific outpost and third research station on the continent that can operate year around. The station covers 5,244 square meters (6,272 square yards) and can house up to 80 people during summer months, according to Chinese state broadcaster CGTN.

Qinling Station is near the U.S. McMurdo Station and just south of Australia. A Center for Strategic and International Studies report published last April said its position could allow China to “collect signals intelligence from U.S.-allied Australia and New Zealand” as well as gather “telemetry data on rockets launching from newly established space facilities in both countries.”

Some analysts say while Qinling Station is built for scientific purposes, some of its capabilities may be “inherently dual-use.”

“China can potentially leverage some of those resources and capabilities for military or intelligence gathering purposes,” Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project at CSIS, told VOA by phone.

He said China continues to build more Antarctic research bases because it views the icy continent as part of the “strategic frontiers.”

[wildcard_redneck]

Why are Americans, especially presstitutes, surprised China is eclipsing the United States? In order to take over America communists have been breaking down our institutions, culture and society and now they're surprised when another country surpasses them and takes over?

Our garbage establishment thinks it can rule, in hell rather than serve in heaven but lowly, deplorable demons historically have found a way of taking out the ruling devil trash.