Chinese break the ice on closer ties with Antarctica

China wants to deepen links to Australia’s Antarctic program, including regular use of Hobart as a gateway port.

Chinese Ambassador to Australia Cheng Jingye. Picture: Kym Smith

China wants to deepen links to Australia’s Antarctic program, including regular use of Hobart as a gateway port and closer logistic and scientific collaboration.

Chinese ambassador Cheng Jingye discussed the strengthened ties with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), Tasmanian Polar Network and Premier Will Hodgman during a visit to Tasmania this week.

Richard Fader, chair of the Tasmanian Polar Network, said Mr Cheng had committed to regular use of Hobart’s port for Antarctic resupply by its icebreakers.

“It (the meeting) was to reinforce they are happy to use Hobart as one of their gateways to their (Antarctic) stations,” Mr Fader said. “They can see the commitment that’s been made with the increased length of the (Hobart Airport) runway and increased wharf space.”

Mr Cheng was satisfied with the quality of logistics and supply services provided to the Chinese icebreaker, RV Xue Long, during a November visit, and had committed to continuing multiple annual visits on a long-term basis.

“The whole gist of the discussions was confirming the ­arrangements for a long time into the future,” Mr Fader said. “They (Mr Cheng’s delegation) said Australia and China are very proactive in Antarctica in establishing their stations, their traverse capability, logistic support.

“It’s very positive and is very much tied to the science they are doing with the AAD. The number of joint programs is increasing every year (and) the sharing of logistics is increasing every year.”

Mr Cheng gave an assurance the only reason the Xue Long did not return to Hobart as expected this week was because of damage sustained by striking an iceberg.

The ambassador is also understood to have discussed deepening trade, education and cultural links with Tasmania, and was last night due to attend a dinner with Governor Kate Warner, Mr Hodgman and Labor leader Rebecca White.

Acting AAD director Charlton Clark said Australia and China agreed in 2014 to strengthen collaboration, which was “particularly strong in logistics support” and “increasingly in scientific research”. “This season Australia transferred about 40 expeditioners on our intercontinental A319 flight from Hobart to Antarctica, and China provided support to the Australian Antarctic Program through its intra-continental aircraft for science surveys in Antarctica,” he said.

Mr Hodgman would not divulge details of Mr Cheng’s visit and discussions but said they were “excellent opportunities to outline Tasmania’s strong economic performance and to strengthen cultural connections”. “Our trade relationship with China is now valued at more than $1 billion a year,” he said.

State Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said secrecy around Mr Cheng’s visit was “highly unsatisfactory” and there were legitimate concerns about Chinese “militarisation” of Antarctica.

“They (China) have built military bases in Australian Antarctic Territory, conducted undisclosed military activities in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters and have announced they reserve their right to stake a sovereign claim when the Antarctic Treaty expires in 2048,” she said.

Twice yearly visits by a Chinese icebreaker would inject $2.5m into the local economy.