Authors: Giovannina Sutherland & Francisco Urdinez (2025)
Abstract: The presence of the People's Republic of China on the Antarctic Continent represents one of the most significant phenomena for contemporary polar governance. This case study analyzes China's strategic projections in Antarctica through a systematic examination of its White Paper published in 2017, complemented by a comprehensive analysis of its scientific output, infrastructure, and activities, which reveals the emergence of a new dimension in the Antarctic presence of non-traditional actors.
Through documentary analysis complemented by bibliometric techniques applied to scientific publications indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, and an examination of international patents registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), this study examines China's multidimensional growth in scientific research, logistical infrastructure, and participation in Antarctic governance.
The findings reveal that, despite its late accession to the Antarctic Treaty in 1983, China has managed to establish itself as a significant actor through the establishment of five scientific stations, an exponential scientific output, and a growing presence in research and development activities in the territory.
For Chile, as a claimant state of the Chilean Antarctic sector, China's strategy presents a complex scenario that combines opportunities for scientific cooperation with challenges arising from the intensification of China's presence on the continent. The analysis identifies areas where the interests of both countries intersect, providing elements for the design of Antarctic policies that strengthen national capacities while maintaining Chile's strategic objectives within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System.