more closely with Russia and possibly seeks to revise the Antarctic Treaty in 2048 to afford it greater access to natural resources and support military operations there.
China is constructing bases in Antarctica that includes possible dual-use technology. While the equipment is ostensibly used for legitimate scientific research and is allowable under the Antarctic Treaty, it could also be used for unspecified military purposes. For instance, China is building a fifth station on Inexpressible Island in the Ross Sea to increase its Antarctic footprint that could provide the PLA with better surveillance capabilities. Inexpressible Island will provide telemetry, tracking and communications for scientific polar observation satellite, and its equipment is also well positioned to collect signals intelligence over Australia and New Zealand.
While China is a relative newcomer to Antarctica, it has been de-legitimizing the Consensus-based Antarctic Treaty, preparing for 2048, when central aspects of the treaty will be open to renegotiation. It is likely both China and Russia will work together to seek to renegotiate the Antarctic Treaty to loosen regulations on mining and fishing practices, which both countries need for future consumption.
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China
