The story so far: On December 23, 2025, media houses reported that China was proposing a draft legislation titled the ‘Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection Law’. It applies not only to Chinese citizens and organisations but also to foreign entities that organise Antarctic activities from within China or depart from Chinese ports. This well-established network of research stations in different parts of the Antarctic allows China to conduct year-long scientific research. China’s draft Antarctic law signals its move towards formalising and strengthening its Antarctic presence. It places Antarctic activities within a clear domestic legal and regulatory framework rather than relying only on policy guidelines.

Source: The Hindu January 27, 2026 10:32 UTC