Eyes on the Prize: Australia, China, and the Antarctic Treaty System
Despite China’s increasing assertiveness in Antarctica, the Antarctic Treaty System is not failing and Australia should refrain from geostrategic panic
Claire Young
Key Findings
Australia’s interests in Antarctica are better served by the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) than anything we could negotiate today. We should redouble our commitment to its ideals of science-driven, rules-based management and counter the narrative of ATS ‘failure’.
China is pushing the boundaries of ATS practice by exploiting fisheries and tourism, and probably seeking access to Western technologies in Antarctica. And in the future, Beijing could lead a coalition of states seeking mineral riches that only China is likely to be capable of retrieving.
Australia sends groundbreaking new technology to Antarctica as krill fishers eye expansion
ThuThursday 28
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Antarctica has a contentious history of fishing and exploration.
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Australian scientists will today embark on a voyage into the ice for a mission that will test both new technology and our ability to keep Antarctica COVID-free.
Key points:
Commercial krill fishing in Antarctica has returned to a 30-year high
Scientists hope to measure the impact of hauls as fishers eye expansion of their fishing grounds
The crew is taking precautions to ensure no coronavirus is spread during the voyage
The primary aim of the two-month voyage is to measure the amount of krill in Australia s Antarctic region as demand for commercial fishing rises.
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The Australian government has put a highly unusual project out for competitive tender. The proposed project would be the construction of a 2.7 kilometer paved runway and associated infrastructure at the Vestfold Hills in Princess Elizabeth Land, Antarctica, with the aim of servicing Australia’s three permanent scientific research stations on the continent. The proposed runway would be designed to accommodate large aircraft capable of making the six hour flight from Australia, forming the central component to Canberra’s 2016 Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan. However, the project remains controversial due to both its potential environmental impact on the region, as well as major geopolitical concerns.