Development of Antarctic Scientific Research and International Scientific Cooperation of China

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to summarise the current attitude of the Chinese government to Antarctic scientifc research and to characterise Antarctic scientifc research carried out by China as a non-Antarctic country by reviewing the performance of Antarctic scientifc expeditions and scientifc research in China over the last forty years.The author approaches the study from the perspective of three aspects. Firstly, there is a reviewof Chinese government documents of recent years on China’s activities in Antarctica. Particular attention is paid to scientifc research and the Chinese government’s attitude to China’s research activities in Antarctica. Secondly, the history of the development of Chinese scientifc research in the Antarctic is considered. The path traveled by China is described, from sending the frst expeditionary group to Antarctica to the creation of research institutes, higher educational institutions and participation in international cooperation and scientifc programs. Finally, the characterization of the frst two aspects allows the author to analyze the achievements, shortcomings and peculiarities of China’s research activities and international cooperation in Antarctica. The author suggests the relevance of scientifc cooperation and development of research activities in this region from the point of view of China’s strategic interests.The review of ofcial documents made public by the Chinese government in recent years allows the author to use the method of historical analysis to systematically summarize the country’s research activities in Antarctica and study the history of scientifc research. The paper also applies such methods of scientifc research as comparative analysis and statistical analysis.