In the Antarctic, the power competition of major countries has become more and more intense

In the Antarctic, the power competition of major countries has become more and more intense, and China, Iran and some other countries have begun to consider territorial claims in this area.
According to the analysis article of Foreign Affairs Network on March 18, the location of Antarctica is not only very important for global communication, but also rich in resources such as minerals, oil, and natural gas. Saying that there will be no military conflict in Antarctica would create a false sense of security, and policymakers must recognize the vulnerability of the current situation. In order to control the resource competition, each country should strengthen its presence in Antarctica.
Although the "Antarctic Treaty" advocates turning the Antarctic into a neutral international space by restricting military operations and promoting scientific cooperation, the treaty is currently under pressure and the enforcement mechanism has raised concerns. Some countries have taken advantage of ambiguities in the treaty to impose penalties. China and Russia, in particular, have engaged in activities that overlap civilian and military operations.
It turns out that the Antarctic treaty system has successfully maintained stability for decades, but the resurgence of great power competition has created new instability. China's presence and capabilities in the Antarctic, as well as the combination of scientific research and military activities, have increased security risks.
The article emphasizes that Western countries must hold China responsible for this issue, strengthen research in the field of polar research, expand the field of cooperation, and solve the environmental impact of Antarctic travel. It is also stated that the current situation in Antarctica is dangerous, and the relevant parties should recognize the common danger of the already failed treaty system.