The polar opposite

China wants to be a polar power.

On Wednesday, China put its fifth Antarctic research outpost – Qinling Station – into operation.

Xi Jinping penned a congratulatory letter to mark the occasion (Gov.cn):

• He described China's polar engagement as having rapidly grown "from nothing to something, from weak to strong."
• He called on polar experts to continue working hard to "better understand, protect and utilize the polar regions."

Expanding China's role at the poles has long been a pet project of Xi's.

• He first called for China to become a "polar great power" back in 2014, and announced ambitions for a Polar Silk Road in 2017.

It's fair to say the US and its allies are suspicious of Beijing's intentions.

• Both poles are rich in resources and organisms that could be exploited.
• They also offer unique geo-strategic vantage points and transit routes.

On Wednesday, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin hit back at suggestions that the new facility was a listening post (MoFA).

• Wang said the station is "in full compliance with international Antarctic rules" and that its purpose is to"enhance humanity's understanding" of the continent.

Get smart: Polar policy rarely makes headlines, but it has the potential to be a significant geopolitical flashpoint in years to come.

• That will be especially true if China feels it is being unfairly scrutinized or excluded from collectively governed Antarctica.