As China ramps up its presence in Antarctica, analysts say Australia is ‘asleep at the wheel’

When China opened its fifth research station in Antarctica this month, analysts sounded alarm bells about potential security threats on Australia’s southern doorstep. Experts warned that China’s expanding activity in Antarctica combined with Australia’s inaction and lack of funding could lead to Beijing’s increased strategic presence in the frozen continent. The new Qinling base could also improve China’s surveillance capabilities and give them more control over transport routes to exploit resources, they say. However, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson insisted the new station would be used to “provide a platform for joint scientific exploration and cooperation between China and other…