Antarctica is owned by no one, but there are plenty of countries[pdf] interested in this frozen island continent at the bottom of the Earth.
While there are some regulations on who can do what there, scientific research has no definition in Antarctic law. So any research by a country conducted in or about Antarctica can be interpreted as legitimate Antarctic science.
There are 30 countries – including Australia – operating bases and ships, and flying aircraft to and from runways across the continent.
Russia and China have increased their presence in Antarctica over the past decade, with China now reportedly interested in building its first permanent airfield.
It is not surprising there is significant interest in who is doing what, where – especially if countries ramp up their investment in Antarctic infrastructure with new stations, ships or runways.
Their actions might raise eyebrows and fuel speculation. But the freedom of countries to behave autonomously is guided by the laws that apply to this sovereign-neutral continent.
Is a reprise of the Great Game heating up in the deep freeze?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday November 01 2018, @05:24PM (1 child)
Nothing to worry about, too hard to exploit the resources. But if it melts... Watch out it'll be a resource grab. your international treaties might as well be carved in ice, that about sums it up.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 02 2018, @06:41AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Vostok [wikipedia.org]