On December 22, 2025, the Standing Committee of China's 14th National People's Congress (NPC) commenced its first reading of the draft Law on Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection, marking a significant step toward establishing a dedicated national legal framework for China's engagement with the southernmost continent. The submission, part of the committee's ongoing session running through December 27, aims to regulate Chinese activities in Antarctica while reinforcing environmental safeguards and aligning with international obligations.
Lu Xinshe, chairman of the NPC Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee, explained the draft to lawmakers, emphasizing Antarctica's unique status as the only continent without sovereign claims, governed primarily through the Antarctic Treaty System and consultative meetings. He underscored the need for domestic legislation to enhance China's coordination of activities, protect the fragile ecosystem, and contribute to global governance.
The draft comprises seven chapters and 57 articles, structured around key areas: general provisions, permits for Antarctic activities, environmental protection measures, inspection and observation protocols, security and supervision mechanisms, legal liabilities, and supplementary clauses. It mandates pre-approval for expeditions, fisheries, tourism, and shipping operations, while promoting green, low-carbon practices and technological innovation in polar research.
Applicability extends to Chinese citizens, legal persons, and unincorporated organizations conducting activities south of 60 degrees south latitude, as well as foreign entities organizing or departing from Chinese territory for Antarctic endeavors. The law prohibits military activities except for peaceful or scientific purposes and bans mineral resource exploitation beyond research needs, in line with the 1991 Madrid Protocol.
Environmental provisions address Antarctica's vulnerability, including risks from invasive species, habitat disruption, pollution, and climate impacts. Experts like Ma Jun, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, praised the draft for integrating pre-approval, ongoing supervision, and post-incident accountability to manage surging tourism and prevent irreversible damage.
China acceded to the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and the Madrid Protocol in 1998, committing to peaceful use and conservation. As one of 29 consultative parties with voting rights, China operates five research stations—Zhongshan, Taishan, Kunlun, Great Wall, and the newest Qinling Station inaugurated in 2024—and conducts annual expeditions with icebreakers like Xuelong and Xuelong 2. Recent activities include multidisciplinary research in glaciology, biology, and atmospheric science, contributing to global datasets on climate change.
The legislation reflects China's growing polar capabilities amid strategic interests in scientific diplomacy and resource monitoring. While Antarctica holds potential mineral wealth, the indefinite mining moratorium under the Madrid Protocol remains upheld, with China publicly supporting conservation. Analysts view the law as standardizing practices among treaty parties—most of which have similar domestic statutes—while signaling Beijing's intent to play a "bigger role" in shaping norms without challenging the treaty framework.
The draft encourages international cooperation, resource conservation, and scientific support, aligning with principles of peaceful utilization. It fills a gap in China's legal toolkit, previously reliant on departmental regulations from the State Oceanic Administration (now under the Ministry of Natural Resources).
This initiative coincides with broader legislative priorities, including childcare services and an environmental code, amid efforts to bolster high-quality development and ecological civilization. Deliberations may lead to revisions before second and third readings, potentially culminating in enactment next year.
Internationally, the move has drawn attention as China expands its polar presence, overtaking the U.S. in Antarctic research publications in recent years. Observers note it provides transparency on Beijing's activities, countering occasional concerns over dual-use potential, while reinforcing commitment to the treaty's demilitarized, science-focused ethos.
As climate change accelerates ice melt and opens new access routes, robust governance becomes critical. The proposed law positions China to contribute "Chinese wisdom and solutions" to shared challenges, fostering sustainable engagement in one of Earth's last pristine frontiers.
