China launches its 43rd scientific expedition to Antarctica
China held a departure ceremony on Saturday in Sanya, Hainan Province, marking the start of its 43rd scientific expedition to Antarctica. Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the mission will upgrade research stations, conduct comprehensive surveys, and test domestically developed equipment. Over 600 members from more than 100 institutions are participating, with return expected in April 2027.
China held a departure ceremony on Saturday in Sanya, Hainan Province in the south of the country, marking the start of its 43rd scientific expedition to Antarctica. The Ministry of Natural Resources is organizing this expedition, which will work on upgrading Chinese polar research stations and the logistics network, conducting comprehensive and multidisciplinary surveys and observations in Antarctica. The expedition will also carry out priority research in leading fields of polar science, test and apply domestically developed equipment, and enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation in science and logistics support. The research icebreakers "Xuelong" and "Xuelong 2", along with another vessel, are supporting the expedition. Over 600 members from more than 100 domestic institutions are participating, and the team is expected to return to China in April 2027 after completing its missions.