China Establishes First Atmospheric Monitoring Station in Antarctica

China inaugurated its first atmospheric monitoring station abroad, the Zhongshan National Atmospheric Background Station, in East Antarctica's Larsemann Hills on Sunday. The station will provide long-term data on atmospheric composition and support global climate change responses, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

Ding Minghu, director at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, emphasized the station’s unique geographical value in studying climate change and human environmental impact. This marks China's ninth atmospheric station overall, with 10 more under testing domestically.

Earlier this year, China also operationalized its fifth Antarctic research station, capable of housing 80 expedition members in summer and 30 in winter. Alongside its U.S. rival, China continues expanding polar research efforts, now managing five Antarctic and two Arctic stations.

Globally, Antarctica hosts 70 research stations from 29 countries. India maintains two active stations, Maitri and Bharti, while the U.S. and Australia operate six and three stations, respectively. China has been a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983, which protects the continent as a natural reserve and prohibits resource extraction.