When China opened its fifth research station in Antarctica this month, analysts sounded alarm bells about potential security threats on Australia's southern doorstep.
When China opened its fifth research station in Antarctica this month, analysts sounded alarm bells about potential security threats on Australia's southern doorstep.
"So, they may not be looking to utilise this research station for anything other than collaborative international research for the next 20 years," Dr Buchanan said. Dr Buchanan said China had spent the past 10 years building infrastructure in Chile and parts of Argentina, which has given them the ability to control the passage.“They could make that passage difficult to pass and control shipping … or by having more boats to be able to monitor and block with their own boats.
When asked about security concerns for Australia, a Department of Foreign spokesperson referred the ABC to the terms of the Antarctic Treaty, which prohibits the militarisation of Antarctica.The treaty was signed by 12 nations in 1959 during the Cold War and designated the continent as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science."
Ms Brady added that China – along with Russia and the US – was honing its technology to generate high-frequency, electromagnetic pulses, which can be used to jam or even destroy enemy electronics.The resources scramble, China could also capitalise on fishing in Antarctica, according to Daniel Bray, an expert in international relations from La Trobe University.
", in the Arctic and Antarctic, with its strategic reach, and continuous shipbuilding program at home — pumping out locally built Antarctic icebreakers — offers the potential to lock out other countries if they wanted to," Dr Buchanan said. "The continent has got vast amounts of minerals, hydrocarbons, oil and gas, and you've got 70 per cent of the Earth's freshwater locked up in that continent, so China's positioning itself for the long game," Dr Buchanan said.Dr Buchanan said the Australian government wasn't taking China's new power status in Antarctica seriously enough.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Melting Ice in Antarctica: Urgent Attention Needed, Says ScientistA leading Antarctic scientist has urged the Albanese government to pay closer attention to abrupt changes under way in the southern continent, warning they will affect Australians in ways that are little understood and research into them is drastically underfunded.
Read more »
IMF Urges Australia to Lift Interest Rates and Implement Tax ReformsThe International Monetary Fund has advised the Reserve Bank of Australia to lift interest rates further and the Albanese government to deliver spending cuts in order to reduce inflation. The IMF also recommends comprehensive tax reform to address weak labour productivity growth.
Read more »
West Indies debutant Shamar Joseph shines with five-wicket haul against AustraliaHometown hero Travis Head was named player of the match for his entertaining 119 on day two, but West Indies debutant Shamar Joseph stole the show with his maiden five-wicket haul and batting cameos at No. 11.
Read more »
Rising Grocery Prices in AustraliaAustralian consumers are feeling the pinch as grocery prices continue to rise, leading to concerns about lack of competition in the market.
Read more »
Scams Rampant in Australia, Leaving Victims HelplessBanks criticised as fraudsters cut through ‘patchwork’ regulations – even scamming a financial watchdog executive
Read more »
Possible Changes to Tax Package in Australia Hinted by Prime Minister and TreasurerPrime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have hinted at possible changes to the already legislated tax package in Australia. The changes would benefit 'middle Australia' and potentially limit the benefits for top income earners.
Read more »