[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

I understand why the Russians have an ice breaker, but the Chinese?

[Cincinatus' Wife]

I understand why the Russians have an ice breaker, but the Chinese?

They're setting up bases and stations all over Antarctica and need guaranteed access to build and resupply them. When the new protocol about using (not using) the resources in that area comes up for review again in 2048, China will have a say in how it can be used. THEY WANT the resources - coal, iron ores, manganese and hydrocarbon. China is taking the long view. China eyes Antarctica's resource bounty

[Former Proud Canadian]

The Chinese are an expansionist power. They need resources. They see resources available in the polar regions.

Also, they have opened a northern shipping route in the artic.

So a Russian research ship hoping to find evidence of global warming gets stuck in summer ice. Subsequent attempts by Australia, China, Russia and New Zealand to affect a rescue were unsuccessful. Now the USCG is sending an icebreaker to rescue the rescuers. You can't make this stuff up.

BTW, I blame Bush and his global warming policies.