China and Russia preparing to dominate Antarctica; claims Australian daily

Canberra: While signs of sparking a war are being seen in the Arctic region near the North Pole, indications of a war of dominance are beginning in the Antarctic region near the South Pole are being seen. Australia claims a natural right over this gigantic continent like region having an area of nearly 15 million square kilometres. But refuting the Australian claim, countries from Latin America and even China and Russia have initiated efforts to dominate the Antarctic.

The Antarctic rich in Crude oil, ores, clean water and natural resources is becoming increasingly attractive for many major countries of the world. Over and above the natural resources, the Antarctic is also becoming a significant destination for the research-oriented activities in science and technology. Currently, nearly 40 countries of the world have set up more than 140 research centres and bases in this region. These include the United States, Russia, China and European countries along with Australia.

But the analysts and experts have claimed that Australia has neglected the Antarctic since the last few years. The Australian government has reduced the funding allocated for Antarctica, and it is being accused that countries like China and Russia are taking advantage of the fact. Only last year, Russia and China have signed an independent agreement for joint cooperation in the Arctic as well as the Antarctic region.

Under the agreement, China will be carrying out joint missions with Russia to Antarctica and both the countries will have access to their respective bases and research centres. At the same time, both the countries are preparing to use Antarctica for their satellite communications systems and substantial investments are being made for this purpose. China has started preparations to build its independent airstrip, and it is said that the work will be completed in the next two years.

China has prepared independent drafts for the Arctic as well as the Antarctic and initiated moves to be the leading country in both the regions in a decade. Senior expert, ‘Anne-Marie Brady’ from New Zealand has claimed that China has planned to use the Antarctic even for military movements secretly.

As per an agreement signed in 1959, military movements in the region are prohibited entirely. But both China and Russia are known for their unilateral actions. Fears are being expressed that their increasing influence will be a threat to the Antarctic Treaty.