China Plans to Build 4th Antarctic Research Station

China's first Antarctic inland research station, the Kunlun Station, officially began operation on Feb. 2, 2009. (People.com.cn File Photo)

China's three existing South Pole research stations are the Great Wall, Zhongshan and Kunlun.

Qu said China would continue to strengthen its scientific research, expand the research scope, and improve the transport support system, emergency management system, communication networks and information sharing system of the polar research stations.

China would also build a modern fleet of ships for polar scientific research, which had been included in the five-year plan from 2011 to 2015, he added.

In addition to the existing icebreaker Snow Dragon, the country had started construction of a new icebreaker for polar research, said Qu.

The design work of the vessel had started and construction was expected to start in 2011 and be completed by 2013, he added.

China would extensively participate in the international polar affairs, maintain international legal orders of the polar areas, and fulfill international obligations, he said. (Xinhua)