BEIJING Oct. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese scientists have gathered in the eastern city of Qingdao for a symposium on polar research. China's next expedition to the Antarctic, and the country's role in polar science and exploration were high on the agenda.
Since 1984, China has sent out 30 Antarctic expeditions and established four research stations. Scientists are gathering in Qingdao to discuss the significant achievements made and the top objectives ahead. High on the list of talks is the 31st Antarctic expedition, due to set off from Shanghai at the end of the month.
"We are planning to bring in aircraft to provide support for research and logistics. We are also going to equip Kunlun station and make it habitable during the summer, and explore the site of the fifth research station," Zhang Tijun, head of station operation, Polar Research Institute Of China, said.
In 1986, China became a full member of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research. China has since played an increasingly active role in international cooperation on polar research.
"Cooperation in ocean science is very important. In fact, there are very few scientific ice breakers, maybe half a dozen in the world, and China has one. So the countries need to cooperate and share their observations because ships can only be in one place at a time and there are so few of them. And through cooperating we get a much better understanding of what changes are taking place in Arctic Ocean," Professor David Hik from Biological Sciences, Univ. Of Alberta, said.
With climate change looming high on the list of global issues, China's role in polar research and exploration is of vital importance.
China's polar research has seen remarkable achievements. And yet there is still vast untapped potential. Against the current backdrop of climate change and closer international cooperation, China's exploration in this field faces great challenges and great opportunities.
(Source: CNTV.com)
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