DFAT Says China Entitled to Antarctic Bases, Sidesteps Question on Military Visits
Liberal Senator Jessica Collins questioned officials regarding an airfield serving the Chinese Communist Party’s Zhongshan station
TL;DR
- Australia's Foreign Affairs Department does not consider Chinese runways in the Australian Antarctic Territory an intrusion.
- The department cited the Antarctic Treaty, which permits participating countries to establish research stations.
- Liberal Senator Jessica Collins questioned officials about a Chinese airfield near Australia's Davis base.
- The Chinese airfield received an international aviation designation in 2024.
- Reports indicate China has built two additional runways in Australian Antarctic Territory.