Constructors are racing against the clock and took advantage of favorable weather conditions to advance the construction tasks at China's Qinling Station in Antarctica, the country's fifth research station on the continent.
Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, and cargo vessel Yong Sheng, which are on China's 41st Antarctic expedition, arrived at the Qinling Station on Dec. 25. Upon arrival, the team members carried out unloading operations and construction tasks.
Nearly 100 people will spend the summertime at the Qinling Station, including a large number of construction workers for welding, plumbing, electricity, and decorations.
The station, which started operation in February last year, will welcome its first overwintering team in 2025.
"The cable tray is a key task, as it is designed to serve during the wintering period. Only after the cable tray is in place can there be a guarantee of electricity supply, water supply, and wastewater disposal during the winter. The operation of photovoltaic system, wind turbines, and hydrogen energy system also rely on it," said Zheng Di, a member of China's 41st Antarctic Expedition team and the Antarctic project manager of China Railway Construction Group.
The highest temperature in summer at the Qinling Station is only around three degrees Celsius, which is five to six degrees Celsius lower than that of the Zhongshan Station, another Chinese research base in Antarctica. The strong and prevailing katabatic winds also have a direct impact on the construction progress of the station.
As a result, the construction team at the Qinling Station has to seize the opportunity of favorable weather during the summer, making every second count.
"We are significantly constrained by local environmental factors, including wind, snow, low temperatures, and ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, the conditions for on-site operations are also challenging. Our tasks are numerous and complex, covering an area of over ten thousand square meters across the entire station. It is a rigorous test for each one of us," said Wang Zhechao, chief of the Qinling Station of China's 41st Antarctic Expedition team.
The 41st Antarctic Expedition mission started on Nov 1 and will last nearly seven months and is being carried out by three ships, including Xuelong, Xuelong 2, and Yong Sheng.
During the expedition, researchers will build the supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station, investigate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem, and conduct international research and logistics cooperation.
Construction of China's Qinling Station in Antarctica underway despite challenges
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
