China drafts stricter rules for Antarctic activities - CGTN

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A draft Law on Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection will be submitted for a third reading at the 25th session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, scheduled to meet in Beijing from November 2 to 6. The draft underwent its second reading in June.

At a press conference this week, Huang Haihua, spokesperson for the NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission, outlined six key revisions to the draft.

The draft adds provisions stating that China upholds the Global Governance Initiative and actively participates in global governance of Antarctica and in developing relevant international rules.

It also clarifies that the state will establish and improve the system governing Antarctic expeditions, strengthen oversight and regulation of related activities, and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens, legal persons, and unincorporated organizations operating in Antarctica.

Other revisions aim to coordinate priorities for Antarctic scientific research, support and guide institutions in conducting expeditions and research in an orderly and lawful manner, and improve procedures for submitting and consolidating expedition samples and data.

The draft also further clarifies legal liabilities for damaging, relocating, or demolishing historic sites or monuments in Antarctica.