Posted on 02/17/2024 12:56:08 PM PST by 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.”
(Excerpt) Read more at voanews.com ...
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.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.