China Passes Law Regulating Shipping, Tourism and Research in Antarctica

China has passed a law to enhance its Antarctic research and strengthen regulation of its exploration activities on the continent, according to state news agency Xinhua. The law, known as the Law on Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection, was adopted on November 6 by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and promulgated through Presidential Order No. 87, signed by President Xi Jinping. According to official legislative publications, the law imposes permit requirements for Chinese shipping, tourism and research activities in Antarctica starting January 1, 2027.

The law seeks to foster Chinese scientific exploration while safeguarding the safety of activities, assets and national interests in Antarctica. It requires that Chinese activities on the continent protect wildlife and flora, properly manage and dispose of waste, prevent marine pollution, and avoid or reduce adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment. The granting of permits for research, tourism, shipping and other activities will be subject to a series of environmental, safety and other conditions.

According to official legislative publications, those seeking authorization for shipping, tourism or scientific expedition activities in Antarctica must submit activity plans, environmental impact assessments, emergency response plans, financial guarantees and proof of insurance to the State Council department responsible for ocean affairs. The regulation extends regulatory oversight to both commercial operations and scientific expeditions, with China's fisheries authorities and designated agencies overseeing observations and inspections of vessels engaged in fishing or fisheries research in the region. The law consists of seven chapters and 59 articles covering activity permits, environmental protection, inspections, government oversight and penalties for violations.

Like the United States, China has expanded its presence in Antarctica and the Arctic to explore polar resources. The country operates five research stations on the continent and has maintained an atmospheric monitoring station for two years. Its 42nd Antarctic expedition, which began in November 2025 and concluded in May 2026, included marine ecosystem research in the Cosmonaut Sea and the Amundsen Sea. China acceded to the Antarctic Treaty on June 8, 1983, and obtained consultative party status on October 7, 1985, and is also party to the treaty's Protocol on Environmental Protection, which banned mining and oil exploration for 50 years.