China intends to construct a new research station in Marie Byrd Land, a little-studied part of West Antarctica, adding to its five existing bases on the continent. Beijing says the station will support climate and ice-sheet research, and it is proceeding under the environmental assessment procedures of the Antarctic Treaty System.

Independent Australian Senator Jacqui Lambie expressed alarm about Australia's defence priorities, telling the Department of Defence: "Open your eyes." She noted that China says there is no geopolitical motive behind its expanding presence.

China is far from alone in its Antarctic footprint. The United States operates three permanent year-round bases, Australia — which claims 42 per cent of the continent — also has three, and Russia maintains five year-round stations. However, experts say the new base could signal China's growing influence within the institutions that govern Antarctica.

Jiliang Chen, a lecturer in Antarctic law and governance at the University of Tasmania, sees the station as a matter of prestige rather than a direct military move. "Building a station is China capitalising on its strength in this strategic game," he said, adding that it gives scientists more facilities and consolidates China's role in future Antarctic decisions.

Others are more sceptical. Elizabeth Buchanan, a senior fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, highlighted China's existing satellite ground stations and its Military-Civil Fusion policy, which allows civilian research equipment to be adapted for military use. The dual-use nature of hardware such as communications systems, aircraft and drones makes inspection and transparency critical, according to Chen.

The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, reserves the continent for peaceful purposes and environmental protection, but permits no veto on new stations by member states.