China launches its first overseas atmospheric monitoring station in Antarctica

China has opened its first overseas atmospheric monitoring station in East Antarctica’s Larsemann Hills, marking a significant step in its polar research efforts, Reuters reported today.

The Zhongshan National Atmospheric Background Station, operational since Sunday, will monitor atmospheric composition and support global climate change studies, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

The station will provide continuous observations of Antarctic atmospheric components, offering critical data on climate dynamics. This facility is part of China’s growing presence in Antarctica, which includes five research stations, the most recent of which began operations earlier this year.

Globally, 29 countries operate 70 permanent research stations in Antarctica under the Antarctic Treaty, which bans commercial resource extraction. India, the U.S., and Australia are also active contributors to scientific research on the continent.