This is China’s James Bond villain-style Antarctic ‘spy base’ that’s practically a mansion and can house up to 80 people in -90C conditions.
The “research station” experts have claimed, could be used to gather intelligence on the West. Measuring 5,244sqm, it can house 80 people in perishing conditions and its creation was sanctioned by top military figures in China. The facility can be found on Inexpressible Island near the Ross Sea and the Qinling Station is its fifth Antarctic base which can run throughout the year.
China’s Foreign Ministry claimed the facility, which is thought to have an observatory with a satellite ground station will be used to advance “humanity’s scientific knowledge of Antarctica”.
When the outpost was opened, workers were seen outside wearing red and black winter clothing. it was divided into three areas with a section for dining and working purposes.
Winter dorms on the second floor included beds, reading lights, tables, shelving, and plug sockets. It was designed in the shape of the Southern Cross constellation to honour Chinese mariner Zheng He, who used it for navigation in the Western Seas but recalls a lair suitable for a Bond villain
Chinese leaders insist it has no military function and was constructed for scientific purposes. But analysts insist it is “inherently dual-use”. The creation of Qinling was overseen by the Central Military Commission, the republic’s highest national defence organisation.
Based near the US McMurdo Station and just south of Australia, it has been suggested China could “collect signals intelligence” from countries such as Australia and New Zealand. But the Chinese Foreign Ministry insisted the base operates “in full compliance with international rules and procedures”.
A report published last April said it may be able to gather “telemetry data on rockets launching from newly established space facilities in both countries”.
The Centre for Strategic and International Studies publication alleged: “While the station can provide tracking and communications for China’s growing array of scientific polar observation satellites, its equipment can concurrently be used for intercepting other nations’ satellite communications.”
Satellite images, also showed new support facilities, smaller buildings, a helicopter pad being constructed and a larger main building was also being created. Qinling also understood to have a wharf for China’s Xuelong icebreaker ships plus an observatory and satellite ground station.
Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project at CSIS, said the Antarctica facility was used “for military or intelligence gathering purposes”. US news outlet VOA reported he said: “Since it is an area that is further from China’s immediate periphery, Beijing wants to be on the cutting edge and be perceived as a global leader that’s on par with the US.”
Five ‘scientific research bases’ the Chinese government has claimed, are part of its long-term goal of having a say in Antarctic governance. President Xi Jinping told of his plans to “better know, protect, and utilise the polar region” almost 10 years ago. Foundations began in 2018, but stalled in the following years. China said the station became operational on February 7.
