Maritime authority vows to strengthen polar region expedition

China has vowed to increase its capacity for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic after President Xi Jinping visited a Chinese icebreaker in Australia. [Special coverage]

Xi boarded the research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, which is berthing at Hobart port for replenishment.

While on Xuelong, Xi visited an exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of China's polar expeditions. He also talked with crew members and wished their ongoing mission a success.

Encouraged by the President's visit, staff of the maritime administration in China held a series of seminars on Tuesday and Wednesday in Beijing, Shanghai and three research stations in Antarctica, discussing the country's maritime strategy.

Liu Cigui, director of the China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA), said the focus of their work should be strengthening capacity of expedition in polar regions with more support to exploration of Antarctica.

Chen Lianzeng, deputy director of the SOA, called for progress in maritime science and technology, as well as plan to encourage innovation in maritime field.